A new French bistro has opened at the former premises of a top-rated Indian restaurant in Easton. The Baffled King has taken over from Pipal Tree on Chelsea Road after the curry house closed in February this year.
New owners Campbell Craig, a university professor and Howard Brewer, a builder and entrepreneur, are neighbours in Easton and have spent the prior two months renovating the restaurant. The Baffled King, named after Leonard Cohen's song 'Hallelujah', hopes to bring a dining experience that combines culinary excellence with a genuine neighbourhood feel.
Co-owner Campbell said: "There's never been a restaurant like this in Easton as long as I've lived here. Another thing we are going for is that we are serving with a very small menu and everything is done very precisely."
Read more: Clifton bakery permanently closes after less than a year
This is a first-time venture in the hospitality industry for the pair, but Campbell grew up in the restaurant world back in the USA. "My mother was a French restaurateur so that's the food I grew up with. The thing now in restaurants is to do small plates rather than mains," he added.
Its core menu draws inspiration from classic French cuisine and offers a selection of small plates in the evenings and on Sundays. The sample menu includes bavette steak, Moules Marinière, pea risotto, chicken and leek pressé and fish of the day - with dishes ranging from £4 to £12 each.
Campbell explained how local suppliers provide the foundation for the whole restaurant including its excellent wine menu. Bottles are predominantly imported through Number 12 Cafe, which is just a few doors down from the restaurant.
Head chef Pete Laurenson will be leading the kitchen at The Baffled King. The restaurant - which opened on Wednesday (June 28) - currently has 24 covers but will grow to 36 when they complete the renovation of the floor below.
The Baffled King is open for coffee and pastries on weekday mornings and opens in the evenings except on Tuesdays. Saturday offers a selection of classic brunch dishes while Sunday lunch will centre around cassoulet, served from 12pm-6pm.
The Baffled King, 28 Chelsea Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AF. Book now by emailing bookings@thebaffledking.co.uk. https://www.thebaffledking.co.uk/
