A few weeks ago Turtle Bay Peterborough held a VIP preview dinner ahead of the restaurant’s grand opening to the public that weekend. I was thrilled to be invited along to share in the celebrations and get a sneak peek at the new restaurant. Here’s how it went down!
Food and cocktails at a Caribbean restaurant seemed the perfect way to end the hottest June day on record in 40 years. The cheerful beach-shack inspired decor instantly put me into a relaxed holiday mood with it’s wooden ceiling fans gently whirring to provide a welcoming respite from the heat outside.
Vibrant murals, twinkling fairly lights and a central island hut bar made of reclaimed wood all added to the laid back tropical effect.
We sat down and proceeded to make our way through the extensive cocktail list. The Raspberry Reggae with dark rum, raspberries, fresh lime and lemonade was a refreshing favourite of mine, as was the Caribbean Pimms which put an exotic twist on the British classic. The fella picked the Island Iced Tea; a heady concoction of white rum, silver tequila, vodka, gin, triple sec, fresh lemon & diet cola. After taking a sup I wished I’d ordered one for myself!
Then the food started to arrive. As it was a preview evening we were treated to sharing platters with all sorts of spicy delights to tickle our tastebuds and offset some of those potent cocktails!
One of the platters was entirely vegetarian and yet packed full of flavour with delights including sweet corn fritters, crispy okra, and spiced curried chickpeas.
Next it was the turn of the Turtle Bay signature dishes, both Caribbean classics.
First, Curried Goat which was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth.
Then, Jamaican Jerk Chicken which fell off the bone and was succulent and full of flavour.
I was feeling fit to burst at this point but Kat and Emily insisted that I had to at least take a nibble of the desserts. The chocolate brownie looked pretty run of the mill but turned out to be a melt in the mouth delicacy – it was almost too soft to pick up, a sumptuous chocolatey goo!
At some point I met the rather awesome Mayor of Peterborough whom I have a sneaking suspicion is Santa Clause on Summer vacay. After asking if his chain of office got heavy he was good enough to let me try it on and it went rather splendidly with my dress! I think I could get used to wearing it actually…
Meanwhile, the boys had developed a bromance with the bar’s rum expert and together were making their way through the vast selection – there are over 40 Caribbean rums to choose from which they seemed to take as a personal challenge.
I ended up joining them for a shot which turned out to be 75% alcohol. “That really burns.” I spluttered, eyes tearing up…
The next 100 photos taken that night are out of focus. Oops.
Despite having work the following morning I have no regrets as it was the most fun night out that I’ve had in ages. Great food and drink in the company of the best friends a girl could wish for and a big dose of Caribbean spirit!
Location: 46 Queensgate Shopping Centre, Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 1NH
Happy Hour Cocktails (2 for 1): 11.30am – 7pm and then again after 10pm
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 am until late, 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays
Website: Turtle Bay Peterborough
*Disclaimer: All food and drink was complimentary and it would be remiss of me not to say a massive thanks to Turtle Bay for putting on such an awesome evening filled with warm hospitality. Rest assured however that the views expressed in this post are my own, honest opinions.
