The Orange Bird
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Entry
The Hillsborough district of Sheffield is home to Matthew Duggan-Jones' homage to his South African heritage, in which the braai barbecue is a long-standing social tradition. Behind its dark-hued, single-fronted facade, there is always the infectious feeling of a party going on at the Orange Bird, with convivial atmosphere to spare and what one reporter calls 'ridiculously good food'. The kitchen's repertoire covers everything from appetising small plates and substantial main dishes to the must-have peppermint crisp tart and miso malva pudding with stout ice cream (a clever Anglo-Afro mash-up). Get the juices flowing with venison boerewors or some pork-neck skewers accompanied by sweet-and-sour cucumber – and don't forget to order the house sweet bread dotted with coriander seeds. To follow, the double-sided Barnsley lamb chop (perhaps with parsley whipped garlic and fig sambal) is reliably sublime, or you might prefer fried baby aubergines in rich Durban curry sauce with the zing of pickled turnip on the side. Accompaniments are equally alluring, from smoked jollof rice to braai courgette chakalaka (a spicy relish). If you thought South African wine was all Pinotage and Chenin, think again. Here are scented Gewürztraminer, meaty Grenache, a rosé from Mourvèdre, and a high-octane red from the port grape, Touriga Nacional – all at eminently fair prices.
Dining Information:
Family friendly, Dog friendly
78 Middlewood Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S6 4HA
0114 234 9330
