One of Nottinghamshire’s best-known and most highly regarded restaurants is to close next month… and re-open 15 days later after the business has been completely transformed.

Perkins, formerly Plumtree Railway Station, has won many awards since it opened 27 years ago – including The Which? Good Food Guide ‘Midlands Restaurant of the Year’ in 2007 and 2008 – but the Perkins Family management have boldly decided to look to the future.
A series of special events will mark the launch of Perkins Evolution when it re-opens on January 19, and although its renowned values and character will continue to shine through, it will be otherwise completely different.

“Perkins has a fantastic history,” said Managing Director Jonathan Perkins. “We are very proud of the high standards the restaurant has set and maintained over a long period of time, but if you want to stay on top of the game you have to keep moving on.”

“Of course it’s a bold move – especially at this difficult time. We were also taking a big risk this time last year when we converted a dilapidated railway goods shed into The Carriage Hall, but if you are producing something new and innovative that you believe in, you cannot allow the current state of the economy to hold you back.”

Not only will the restaurant take on a unique new look with stylish modern furnishings, mixed with a spectacular Spanish pendant, the food and drinks offering will also be vastly enhanced.
Added Jonathan:

“We plan to introduce a new menu at the start of spring, summer, autumn and winter, and in all cases there will be a heavy accent on choice. We are very mindful of the fact that people eat differently these days, and although our renowned three-course meals will still be available, there will be plenty of opportunity for people to share boards and enjoy taster dishes.”

In another major shift, the restaurant will be open from noon until midnight every day – apart from Sundays when it will close at 5pm – and will offer a lighter-bite daily menu from 2-6pm, including its highly-rated Afternoon Tea.
The drinks offering within Perkins Evolution is being transformed and will feature a much larger choice of wines and spirits. Specialist consultants have also been employed to help compile an exciting list of cocktails – and to train staff in how to create them.
Jonathan added:

“Our refined and extended wine list will include many labels that will be exclusive to Perkins. They won’t be available in other restaurants, and people definitely won’t be able to buy them off the shelf. We have the knowledge to carefully link drinks to the food, enhancing the overall experience for clients, and everything on the list will be there for a reason. For those who don’t want a full bottle of wine, we are introducing carafes for the first time, and people will be able to buy a much larger selection of top-quality wines by the glass.
“We have been carefully planning Perkins Evolution for some time, and we’re really excited about it. Although we are utterly determined not to compromise on quality, the whole experience when people visit the restaurant will be very different. Our clear objective is to set new standards for eating out.”

For more information, call BowlesAssociates on 0115 982 1210.

The Perkins Evolution menu will include several dishes served in French copper tureens.