Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-ext.jpg" alt="Exterior at night of Binary Bar &amp; Restaurant Mickleover Derby" class="wp-image-6744" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-ext.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-ext-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-ext-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-ext-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Since opening its doors in January 2022, Binary Bar &amp; Restaurant has become a buzzy hang-out, loved by the locals. Big on embracing its local community (it was even named by the villagers), its two-for-one cocktail nights, tapas evenings and special events are super-popular. But this place is no one-trick pony. Brilliant brunches, lazy lunches, date night dinners and cocktails with the girls, it caters for all sorts (even hosting princess-themed afternoon teas for wannabe Elsas).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-19-01-2022-17-00-10.jpg" alt="Binary Bar and Restaurant Mickleover Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6592" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-19-01-2022-17-00-10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-19-01-2022-17-00-10-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-19-01-2022-17-00-10-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-19-01-2022-17-00-10-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-19-01-2022-17-00-10-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-19-01-2022-17-00-10-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sleek, slick and stylish. It’s all glossy, urban cocktail bar styling, softened by a ceiling of faux white wisteria (tasteful, not tacky). Floor-to-ceiling windows let the light flood in during the day and add to the feeling of space. The views aren’t the best (hello neighbouring fast food joint), but your eye is drawn to the interesting interiors anyway.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-chandalier.jpg" alt="Art deco chandalier at Binary Bar Restaurant Mickleover Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6749" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-chandalier.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-chandalier-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-chandalier-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-chandalier-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-chandalier-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-chandalier-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>After dark the restaurant takes on a cool, clubby vibe with lovely, glowy mood lighting. There’s a hint of art deco about it, with chic 1920s-inspired crystal chandeliers mixing with the warm glow of contemporary exposed lightbulbs and glass candleholders on each table. The effect is warm, welcoming and feels a little bit luxe. Walls are a dark aubergine, the floor is wooden parquet and the (very comfortable) chairs and bank seats are distressed brown leather. It’s elegant and special – the sort of place you want to dress up for.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-inside.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6745" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-inside.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-inside-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-inside-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-inside-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff">SCOFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-salmon.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6747" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-salmon.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-salmon-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-salmon-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-salmon-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Takes a moment to get your head around the menu, it’s one of those places that if you’re here catching up with the girls you’ll have to keep repeatedly saying ‘sorry, could we have a few more minutes?’ to the waiting staff.<br>There are nibbles, small plates, large plates and salads, grills and tapas to contend with. It’s a varied menu with lots to like (maybe give it a squizz online before you come if you’re as indecisive as me). I can’t take my eyes off the blue cheese Bon Bons on the nibbles menu so opt for them instead of a starter. It’s a nice choice – they’re scrummy and not too filling.<br>It&#8217;s hard not to feel jealous of the carpaccio of salmon my other half ordered though but I manage to scoff a few forkfuls and it’s another spot-on small plate.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-starter.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-starter.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-starter-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-starter-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-starter-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>But it’s the main courses that step it up to another level. I plump for Za’atar lamb shoulder (pictured right) with peas, broad beans and bulgar wheat. It’s sensational. Beautifully presented with punchy flavours you want to savour all night long. My other half is seduced by the Derbyshire beef rump cap which is lighter and prettier than it sounds. He declares it perfectly cooked and big on flavour.</p>



<p>Dessert options pretty classic and cater for everyone – New York cheesecake, pavolva, chocolate brownie and the like. Although the zingy-sounding pineapple tart with coconut and lime sorbet is tempting, I’m pretty full so reluctantly opt out.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-main-courses.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6748" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-main-courses.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-main-courses-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-main-courses-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/a-Binary-main-courses-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Service here is outstanding with a capital O. Welcoming and friendly, but never in your face, staff here know hospitality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quaff">QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-21-01-2022-15-17-04.jpg" alt="Binary Bar Mickleover cocktail Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6591" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-21-01-2022-15-17-04.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-21-01-2022-15-17-04-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-21-01-2022-15-17-04-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-21-01-2022-15-17-04-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-21-01-2022-15-17-04-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Photo-21-01-2022-15-17-04-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Where to start? There’s a fabulous menu of innovative and quirky cocktails here (why, oh why am I driving? Although the mocktail menu is mouth-watering too). Stand-outs for me are the brilliant-sounding Bakewell cocktail (Amaretto, cherry syrup, lemon and lemonade), &nbsp;Good Luck Charm (bourbon, limoncello, lemon and mint) and the punchy Hurricane (dark and white rum, sugar, passion fruit, orange and grenadine). Six cocktail specials head up the menu but you can find all the classics here too. Can’t make up your mind? Opt for a cocktail flight of three smaller tasters for £12.95. There’s plenty of draught beer (Binary’s sister pubs are all classic country pubs where good beer comes as standard), bottled beer, a decent wine list (17 whites, 16 reds) and lots of gins and spirits too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>Here for brunch or Sunday lunch? Follow it up with a walk around nearby Markeaton Park where you&#8217;ll find a craft village and adventure playground too. The National Trust&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/kedleston-hall">Kedleston Hall</a> is just down the road too and a lovely spot for a Sunday stroll.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Bullseye for girls’ nights out, group gatherings of friends and date night dinners (even weeknights are nicely full so atmosphere is good). A nice spot for daytime family roasts and brunches too.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Binary tries hard to cater for all, with the menu ranging from Asian-inspired flavours to more classic tastes. &nbsp;Feels a bit more grown-up after dark, so probably not one for tiny tots in the evening.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Pretty good for this quality. For evening meals, small plates range from £5.99 to £8.99, while mains start at £11.99 and go up to £29.99 for fillet steak although most average around a reasonable £14-16.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://binarybarandrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binary Bar &amp; Restaurant</a>, Limes Ave, Mickleover, Derby DE3 0GR</em></p>


Muddy reviews: Binary Bar & Restaurant, Mickleover

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