Serving up a modern twist on classic British dishes, 176 Bar & Kitchen have recently opened their doors on Linthorpe Road and promise to deliver a contemporary fine dining experience in the heart of Middlesbrough.

Transforming the former Smoke & Mirrors eatery, the restaurant is part of the Pneuma Hospitality Group who are behind the famous SIX Rooftop venue, based within Gateshead’s Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. The group, who are the parent company of Middlesbrough gaming developers, Double Eleven have undertaken an ambitious programme of investment and refurbishment designed to breathe new life into their recently acquired site.

We sat down with Marketing Director, Charley Fleming to chat about the venue’s high-quality food and drink offer:

“Our menu is about celebrating the very best of British cuisine with a modern twist, its features a selection of small plates and light bites.

“Each dish is designed to compliment a nice range of beer and wine we have on offer.”

Chorizo scotch egg and split pea pudding with caramelised mushrooms & soldiers are just some of the unique savoury creations featured on 176 Bar & Kitchen’s menu. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts including sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch & vanilla ice cream and passion fruit crème brûlée are just some of the options available.

“We have taken inspiration from SIX, where both our Food Director, Greg and Head Chef, Megan have worked closely together to develop this new menu.

“They have sustainably sourced high-quality ingredients plus local producers and suppliers for both food and drink, including Teesside’s very own, Rounton Coffee.” said, Charley.

British small plates are central to 176’s menu. Credit: Andrew Pyle

A highlight of 176 Bar & Kitchen’s drinks menu has got to be the speciality espresso martinis. Featuring five variations of the popular cocktail; diners can sample flavours from gingerbread to hazelnut to apple pie and cinnamon.

Alongside their espresso martinis, there is a house cocktail menu, as well carefully selected spirits, craft beers and wines which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle.

Both the bar and restaurant menu have already received fantastic feedback: “At our launch event, we had customers liken the venue to a big city bar and had meat-eaters really rate our vegetarian and vegan options.

“But my favourite compliment of them all is from a customer who told us that our chips are the best they ever tasted.” mentions Charley.

176’s signature cocktail menu includes five specialities of espresso martini. Credit: Andrew Pyle

The newly open venue can also cater for a wide range of private hire functions; including christenings, birthdays, engagement parties, wedding celebrations and company parties and events.

Looking ahead to the future of the venue, Charley said: “We’re currently renovating the upstairs area to breathe new life into the space.

“We’re also planning an exciting events calendar, so keep your eyes on our social media channels further updates.”

176 Bar & Kitchen is open on Thursday 12pm – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm – 11pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm. They’re also taking part in Teesside Restaurant Week from Monday 26 February, where diners can tuck into two dishes and a drink for £17.60 per person.

Explore Middlesbrough’s fantastic restaurant offer further by visiting our Food and Drink guide.