West One Plaza has seen an influx of new business in the last 12 months, including the opening of Anchorage Bar and East Coast Kitchen – a contemporary venue serving-up modern dishes inspired from America’s east coast with a strong presence of seafood.
It’s a brand new concept for Sheffield. The kitchen cures deli meats on site for sharing platters and sandwiches in the downstairs bar whilst a live lobster tank, clams, and shrimp by the half pint are served from the 65 seat first floor restaurant. Anchorage is the third venue launched by The Rootstock Trading Company: a more grown-up sibling to The Harley on Glossop Road and the Wick at Both Ends on West Street. While these are both known for their informal dining and live music, the new addition boasts a more sophisticated vibe in a formal yet relaxed restaurant environment.
Formally the home of 23 Bar and Restaurant, the venue has been fully refurbished now boasting an intimate seating area with orange leather circular booths and glazed walls overlooking the plaza. The whole place oozes class and the menu doesn’t disappoint either. You’ll be spoilt for choice. Appetizers include: fresh oysters, shrimp, crab cakes, squid, wings, ribs, soup or salad. I opted for the crispy squid served with a chipotle mayo and salad garnish while my dining partner ordered the shrimp – shell-on Tiger prawns and garlic butter. Both full of flavour.
The portions aren’t overly generous – just the right amount to leave you satisfied yet still eager to await the arrival of your main course. Appetizer prices range from £3-£6. For main course, choose from a range of fish dishes and grills – cod, tuna, burgers, sandwiches, buttermilk chicken, meatballs and a plethora of steak cuts. I opted for pit beef – beef round with house rub, focaccia, mustard and spicy slaw. In comparison to the appetiser, the portion was huge with a good balance of flavours and textures. My dining partner opted for the hanger steak – a 10oz unusual cut. It has the most flavour of any steak but an unusual texture, served medium. This came accompanied with fries and slaw. Main course prices range from £8-34 (including sharers). If you want to know more about the menu, shout over the staff! The knowledgeable team have clearly taken the time to familiarise themselves with ingredients featured on the menu and are happy to give their recommendations.
Offering just as much choice as the food menu, the drinks menu features a variety of wines, craft beers, cocktails and mocktails. And if you’ve room for dessert (we didn’t manage it), choose from pecan pie, waffles, New England cranberry duff, blueberry pie or baked cheesecake. There’s also a choice of after-dinner drinks from an East Coast iced tea and Aviation gin and tonic to a glass of Prosecco or Dirty Martini. Our bill came in just under £50 – a reasonable price given the style, service and quality on offer. It’s worth mentioning though, that diners can take advantage of discounted dining if visiting before 7pm – the express menu offers two-courses for £12 (on selected dishes) or three courses for £15. Plus on Sundays, enjoy an American style Sunday roast for under £12. A welcome new addition to Sheffield we’d say!
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