Social Studio has the makings of a Derry destination, but they need to sort out their desserts - Eating Out

Social Studio Restaurant,

5 Bishop Street,

Derry,

BT48 6PW

028 7116 4207

As one door closes, the same one opens. Social Studio is on the site Bron used to occupy and is maybe a little out of keeping with the alternative vibe that is starting to pervade Derry’s Cathedral Quarter, but that’s no bad thing, as it provides an alternative to the alternative.

This sense of separation is reinforced by the layout of the restaurant. Just inside the door, a full-height wall has been erected across the width of the floor, and you enter the main space through this.

It’s clever, because it gives the whole restaurant a sort of clandestine, enticing atmosphere. You feel screened from the outside world – once you’re in, you’re in – and it also combats the cavernous nature of the space, because it covers a big area, wide and long.

The menu offers plenty of choice. We sat near the back, so we got a good view of the food coming out from the kitchen – big starters and well-presented, well-stocked plates; this isn’t somewhere that offers dainty nibbles.

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Apart from the whole sea bream, there’s nothing surprising on the menu, but it’s all good, crowd-pleasing stuff.

My daughter’s chicken burger was very good. She doesn’t go in for dressings or salad accompaniments, so there was nowhere for the chicken to hide, and it didn’t need anything – tender meat in a nice, crisp coating with a hint of spice. And a proper barmcake – none of your fancy brioche business.

My brother was delighted with his curry – generous chunks of meat in a sweet, warming sauce with a bit of a kick, and well-cooked rice. My wife’s salmon, although lacking a crispy skin, was moist and soft, and came with smooth and creamy avocado and a nice salad.

And my fish was really good – lovely, crisp, crunchy batter and delicious flakes of haddock. As for the sides, the mash was smooth and creamy, the chips were good, and the crispy cabbage delicious.

We weren’t so impressed with the desserts. The chocolate and orange tart was fine - nicely chocolatey, with a hit of orange to give it a lift. The custard was sweet and creamy and satisfying.

My daughter’s cheesecake was no great shakes, however. There wasn’t much flavour to the topping, and the base was completely soft.

Most disappointing, though, was the raspberry and apple pie. The filling was fair enough – sweet and sharp – but the pastry was totally lacking in flavour, pale to the point of anaemic and, again, so soft it stuck to the roof of your mouth.

The food is only part of the package, though. The Social Studio is aptly-named. There were couples in to eat, but it was mainly groups in there, with lots of chatter and laughter coming through the excellent playlist.

I’m not expecting deference by any means, but a decent welcome shouldn’t be too much to ask for... the subsequent service was excellent so this first impression didn’t last, but it certainly lingered

We all enjoyed our evening at the Social Studio, but I have to say my nose was a little put out of joint before we’d even sat down.

When we walked in, there were a few staff members talking at the bar, to the left of the entrance, none of whom came towards us.

When I said we had a booking, one of the staff, still leaning against the bar, turned their head and asked if we’d booked.

Now, I’m not expecting deference by any means, but a decent welcome shouldn’t be too much to ask for, and this felt a bit like we were interrupting something more important.

I have to say that the subsequent service was excellent – friendly, good-humoured, attentive – so this first impression didn’t last, but it certainly lingered for a while.

Having said all that, we enjoyed our visit and it’s clear Social Studio has the makings of a Derry destination.

There were signs aplenty of good management by someone with their head screwed on and it’s already a lively place with plenty of buzz, so its potential will doubtless be realised, especially if they sort their desserts.

First impressions weren’t brilliant, but the lasting impression was very good.

The bill

Chicken curry, rice, naan - £17.95

Pan-fried teriyaki salmon, avocado, tomato salad - £21.95

Beer-battered haddock, mushy peas, tartar sauce - £17.95

Crispy chicken burger, mashed potato - £11.45

Ice cream - £4.95

Apple and raspberry pie, custard - £6.95

Raspberry Ruffle cheesecake - £6.95

Chocolate and orange tart, custard - £6.95

Coca-Cola x 3 - £10.20

Total: £105.30