A Visit to: Tapas Night with Cocktails & Live Music in Uppingham, Rutland

This was our first proper date night in forever, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Tapas is one of my favourite ways to eat, so when No.23 in Uppingham announced their very first Tapas Night, I knew we had to book.

No.23 is one of my favourite bistro restaurants in Rutland. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly stylish yet relaxed, whether you’re popping in for cocktails, heading out for dinner with friends or planning a proper date night.

This was actually my second event there after attending one of their Spanish Wine Tasting evenings earlier in the year, so I accidentally continued the Spanish-inspired theme with their first, Tapas Evening.

The evening completely sold out, which honestly came as no surprise. The atmosphere was incredible, with tables full both inside and outside, live music filling the courtyard and plate after plate of tapas arriving as the sun went down.

If you visit No.23, one thing you have to try is their Spicy Margarita. It’s one of my favourite cocktails anywhere in Rutland. But alongside the cocktails, they also have a fantastic wine list, regular midweek offers and beautifully curated events throughout the year.

And if the weather is on your side, their hidden courtyard garden is one of the loveliest places to sit with a drink in the sunshine.

It really doesn’t get much better than tapas for me. There’s just something so relaxed, romantic and effortless about sharing plates, sipping great cocktails, and finally having some overdue quality time together as the sun goes down.

The evening also felt like fantastic value, too, with: 5 tapas dishes for £40, 2 for 1 Aperol & Sarti Spritz all evening and live music throughout the evening... It’s easy to see why the event was such a success.

One of the best things about the menu was that there really was something for everyone, including great vegetarian options.

Here’s what we ordered: Spanish meatballs, Sun-dried tomato croquettes with smoked tomato mayonnaise, Spiced chorizo in red wine and honey glaze, Rosemary salted padrón peppers, Cauliflower bites with harissa and honey glaze, Habanero chick wings with mango pico de gallo and a side of Rosemary salted fries.

Everything was perfect for sharing, and the portions worked really well tapas-style between two.

But if you fancied ordering beyond the 5-dish offer, you absolutely could, with individual tapas plates priced from £6 to £13. The menu included dishes like patatas bravas, tempura haddock with romanesco sauce, pil pil prawns with fresh chilli, parsley, roasted garlic and olive oil, plus breaded squid with roasted garlic and citrus aioli. There were also plenty of sides to add on to, including rosemary salted fries, seasonal greens, artisan bread and chicory and endive salad.

Following the success of the first evening, No.23 is now hosting Tapas Evenings on the last Friday of every month throughout the summer.

If you’re searching for: The best tapas, a romantic restaurant, summer date night ideas, Mediterranean-style dining, a restaurant with an outdoor terrace or live music evenings in and around Rutland and Stamford? No.23 absolutely deserves a place on your list.

But definitely book early because this is clearly becoming one of Rutland’s most popular dining events.

📍No.23, 23 High St E, Uppingham, Oakham LE15 9PY

Book and find out more here

Charlie

@rutlandblog

Upcoming Events & Offers at No.23, Uppingham:

• Tapas Evening​​​​: Small plates and 2 for 1 spritzers - 26th of June

​​• Southern France Wine & Dinner Evening​​​​: A journey through Southern France - Thursday the 18th of June

​​• 2 For 1 Cocktails: Our new summer cocktail menu is now available - Wednesday - • Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm

​• Light Lunch: Light lunch options are available from £8, Wednesday - Saturday  

​​• Wednesday £15 Paella Night: Available alongside a la carte for £15 - Every Wednesday evening

​• £8 Lunchtime Pasta - Wednesday - Saturday

​​​• £15 Steak Frites - Thursday evenings

• ​£15 Fish & Chips Night - Friday evenings

• ​Sunday A La Carte: 2 Courses for £30, 3 Courses for £35