Emma Food par excellence with the surroundings to match
Until recently “Hutchesons’ Hall” probably didn’t mean that much to anyone other than Glasgow history buffs, it was one of those buildings that people rarely got the chance to visit – unless you happened to be there for Doors Open Day but now thanks to James Rusk, owner of the Butchershop, the name “Hutchesons” is well-known again as Hutchesons Bar & Brasserie utilises the 19th-century A-listed building that was originally built as a hospital but has lain vacant for far too long…it’s been renovated impressively but still retains many original features, such as the stained glass windows, so the pressure was on the food to match the astounding decor…
A view of the Clocktower from outside on Ingram Street – it may not look all that extravagent from here but wait until you get inside…
…again, the main entrance on John St doesn’t exactly scream opulence either…
…but once inside you can see that this is a venue to impress – a historic room with extremely high ceilings and impressive stained-glass. We were there on a Thursday when they have a Chateaubriand deal each week: A 35 day dry-aged Chateaubriand for two which includes two sauces, two sides and a bottle of wine for £60. We decided that it was too good an offer to miss so ordered that. More info here.
In the meantime a pretty jar of large juicy olives (£3.95) kept our hunger pangs at bay.
We opted for the red wine natuarally: La picoutine, Carignan Grenache – for the money paid this was a pretty competent wine.
After going a lifetime without bone marrow we have now had this a number of times recently and this smooth marrow with herb vinagrette topping cut through the fat nicely. The brioche was sweet but the onion chutney was perhaps a bit too sweet so a more savoury chutney might’ve worked better.
This is another dish we’ve had a few times recently and this is possibly the best of the lot. Well-presented with the egg in half its shell, curvy thin breads and modest salad leaves. The steak tartare was really savoury with a good strong vinegar tang from capers.
And here it was, the main attraction: Chateaubriand with roasted tomato and half a roasted garlic bulb. It was brought to our table like this and not cut there and then. The temperature was just right and the meat was medium-rare and lovely & tender.
In addition to our veggie sides we also ordered a portion of crab, yes crab mac n’ cheese (£4.95) and this seafood take on the stodgy classic was gobbled up pretty quickly.
The chateaubriand was so filling that for pudding we shared a tarte fine aux pommes (£6.95) with a single glass of late harvest Tokaji (£7) which was was lovely & sweet as expected. The tart was a light circular pastry with thinly sliced apples and sweet cinnamon ice-cream and was very delicate after our feast.
And to finish an espresso (£1.75) and flat white coffee (£2.25). Served with a lump of tablet.
The food was marvellous and the service couldn’t be faulted.
We ate in the main room upstairs, toilets are located downstairs and were well-maintained and clean.
Total cost £104.75 so certainly a splash-out and not everyday meal but great meal, great wine, both stuffed, great service in great surrounds. Ideal for for that special occasion or a pay day treat. Hutchesons also open for breakfast/brunch of which we are keen to try out – watch this space…
