Craft Beer and Menu Highlights at Malt Cross

Nestled in the heart of Nottingham, Malt Cross is more than just a bar and eatery – it’s a celebration of local culture, history, and flavours. Known for its stunning Victorian music hall setting, the Malt Cross offers a unique atmosphere where the past meets the present, creating an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. One of the standout aspects of the Malt Cross is its commitment to showcasing the best locally sourced ingredients and an impressive selection of craft beers, reflecting the vibrant food and drink scene of Nottingham and its surrounding areas. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the highlights of the Malt Cross’s craft beer selection and menu offerings, emphasising the delicious, fresh, and locally inspired dishes that make every visit unforgettable.

1. The Malt Cross Craft Beer Experience

Craft beer has surged in popularity over the last decade, and the Malt Cross has embraced this trend by offering a carefully curated selection of the finest craft beers, many of which are brewed locally. With an ever-changing beer list that highlights small, independent breweries, the Malt Cross is a haven for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavours and support local artisans.

A Focus on Local Breweries

At the Malt Cross, there’s a strong emphasis on working with local breweries to bring the best of Nottinghamshire and beyond right to your glass. This commitment not only supports local businesses but also ensures that each beer served is fresh and full of character. The rotating taps often feature beers from renowned local breweries all of which are known for their innovative and high-quality brews.

A Wide Range of Styles

The beer selection at the Malt Cross is diverse, catering to all taste preferences. From light and crisp lagers to rich and complex stouts, there’s a craft beer for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or new to the world of craft brews, the knowledgeable staff at the Malt Cross are always on hand to help you choose the perfect pint. Here are some popular styles you might encounter on your visit:

Pale Ales and IPAs: Known for their hoppy bitterness and fruity undertones, these beers are a favourite among those who enjoy bold, punchy flavours. Expect to find local variations that incorporate unique ingredients like British hops and seasonal fruits.

Stouts and Porters: Dark, rich, and often featuring notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel, these beers are perfect for those who enjoy a deeper, more robust taste. Look out for the limited-edition stouts that are frequently featured on the menu.

Saison and Sours: For the adventurous drinker, Malt Cross sometimes carries a selection of saisons and sour beers. These brews are typically light, tart, and refreshing, offering a complex flavour profile that’s perfect for pairing with food.

Lagers and Pilsners: Clean, crisp, and easy to drink, lagers and pilsners are a great choice for those looking for a more traditional beer experience. Malt Cross’s selection often includes locally brewed lagers that are light yet full of flavour.

Seasonal and Limited-Edition Brews

One of the most exciting aspects of the craft beer offering at Malt Cross is the frequent introduction of seasonal and limited-edition brews. These special beers are often brewed in small batches and feature seasonal ingredients, giving you the opportunity to try something truly unique. From Christmas spiced ales to summery fruit-infused brews, there’s always something new to discover. Be sure to ask the staff about any new arrivals or upcoming tap takeovers, where guest breweries showcase their latest creations.

2. A Menu That Celebrates Local Ingredients

At Malt Cross, food is just as important as the drinks, with a menu that’s carefully crafted to highlight the best local and sustainable ingredients. The kitchen takes pride in working closely with local farmers, butchers, and suppliers to ensure that every dish is not only delicious but also reflects the rich agricultural heritage of the region. Here’s a look at some of the standout dishes that make the Malt Cross menu so special.

Starters and Small Plates

To kick off your meal, Malt Cross offers a selection of starters and small plates that are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light bite alongside your beer. These dishes are designed to showcase the best seasonal produce and are packed with flavour.

Locally Sourced Charcuterie Board: Featuring a variety of cured meats from local butchers, this charcuterie board is a must-try for meat lovers. Paired with house-made pickles, artisan bread, and a selection of cheeses, it’s the perfect way to start your meal.

Crispy Halloumi Fries: A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing, these golden halloumi fries are served with a tangy dip made from locally sourced ingredients. It’s a vegetarian delight that pairs wonderfully with a light, citrusy pale ale.

Seasonal Soup of the Day: Made fresh daily using the finest local vegetables, the soup of the day is a comforting and wholesome choice, especially during the colder months. Served with crusty bread, it’s a simple yet satisfying starter.

Main Courses: Hearty, Comforting, and Full of Flavour

The main courses at Malt Cross are all about hearty, comforting dishes that feel like a warm embrace. Using locally sourced meats, fresh vegetables, and sustainable seafood, each dish is crafted with care and creativity.

Nottinghamshire Beef Burger: This isn’t your average burger. Made with locally sourced beef, this juicy burger is topped with mature cheddar, smoked bacon, and a tangy house-made relish. Served with hand-cut fries, it’s a classic that never disappoints.

Ale-Battered Fish and Chips: A nod to the traditional British favourite, this dish features sustainably sourced fish coated in a light, crispy ale batter made with one of the local beers on tap. Served with chunky chips, mushy peas, and a zesty tartar sauce, it’s a must-try.

Vegan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry: For those seeking a plant-based option, the vegan curry at Malt Cross is a standout. Packed with sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s served with fluffy basmati rice and a side of flatbread for a satisfying and flavourful meal.

Delicious Desserts and Sweet Treats

No meal at Malt Cross would be complete without sampling one of their delicious desserts. From indulgent cakes to light and fruity treats, the dessert menu is full of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A classic British dessert done to perfection, the sticky toffee pudding at Malt Cross is rich, moist, and drenched in a luscious toffee sauce. Served with a scoop of locally made vanilla ice cream, it’s a true comfort food favourite.

Seasonal Fruit Crumble: Featuring locally sourced fruits, this crumble is a warm and comforting dessert that changes with the seasons. Served with a dollop of custard or cream, it’s the perfect end to your meal.

3. Pairing Craft Beers with Your Meal

Pairing craft beer with food is an art form that the Malt Cross has perfected. The complexity and variety of craft beers make them ideal for pairing with different dishes, enhancing the flavours of both the food and the drink. Here are some pairing suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Pale Ales with Burgers: The hoppy bitterness of pale ales pairs beautifully with the rich, savoury flavours of a beef burger. The maltiness of the beer complements the umami of the meat, while the hops cut through the fat for a balanced bite.

Stouts with Desserts: Dark, chocolatey stouts are a fantastic match for sweet, indulgent desserts like sticky toffee pudding. The roasted notes of the stout complement the caramel flavours of the dessert, creating a harmonious pairing.

Sours with Salads or Light Starters: The tartness of sour beers is perfect for cutting through the richness of cheese-based starters or salads with tangy dressings. The acidity of the beer refreshes the palate, making each bite taste like the first.

IPAs with Spicy Dishes: The bold, citrusy notes of IPAs work well with spicy dishes like the vegan curry. The bitterness of the beer contrasts with the heat, creating a balanced and enjoyable flavour experience.

Conclusion

Malt Cross is not just a place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink; it’s a celebration of Nottingham’s vibrant local food and drink scene. With its impressive craft beer selection and a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients, every visit to Malt Cross is an opportunity to explore new flavours and support local artisans. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious meal in a unique setting, Malt Cross offers an experience that’s rich in both history and taste. So next time you’re in Nottingham, make sure to stop by, raise a glass, and savour the very best of what this iconic venue has to offer.