Bounce Magazine November 2015

FOOD & DRINK
NOVEMBER 2015 | ISSUE #37 |
FOOD & DRINK
Nestled comfortably in the heart of
Beccles sits a gem just waiting to
be discovered…
By day ‘Upstairs at Bailey’s’ is a top quality
delicatessen, stocking excellent cheese and
charcuterie, Spanish olive oil, olives and pulses
and an interesting range of Spanish wines
carefully selected by owner Xavier Esteve.
However, on a Friday and Saturday night, Xavier
and his head Catalan chef Mauro up their game
and transform the establishment into a wonderful
fine dining experience. Their a la carte menu
offers the best of traditional Catalan cuisine right
here in Suffolk.
Bounce Magazine, Photographer Andrew Florides
and his wife Alice, were kindly invited along to
enjoy the delights on offer at the family-owned
Catalonian restaurant.
“As we arrive journeying through the darkened
Deli, we are led up the stairs of Baileys, where we
are warmly greeted by owner Xavier.
It is clear from the offset that his character, charm
and passion for Spanish food would certainly rub
off on us all throughout the evening.
Presented with a pristine menu full of elegant and
fresh dishes, Xaiver indulgently talks us through
the menu. The creations of his head chef, sound
amazing considering he is left pretty much to his
own devices. We all look to each other for help
on deciding what to order, but to help us along
the way we are served a special Baileys house
cocktail, that when down faster than a speeding
ticket.
My attention is caught by the ‘Arrebossat de
Vieira I Porc,’ which to you and I is scotch scallop
and pork belly served with spiced apple, carrot
and curry cream and a reduction of marsala.
As I try to pronounce the Spanish title to Xavier
(very badly I might add), the others selected
their dishes. Andrew chose the Octopus with
quinoa and chorizo veloute, whilst Sam and Alice
both opted for the black spaghetti with lobster
Bolognese and fresh crab bisque.
With this job I am lucky enough to review many
fine restaurants, but I have to stay the standard of
food at Baileys is second to none.
The dishes are presented like pieces of art, but
unlike some dishes that ‘look good but just taste
ok’, these exude wonderful Spanish flavours
bringing a taste of Spain to your table. Each of
these dishes tells a story, as the best meals should
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