Monday, 31 January 2011

Ladies Night, Sunday Lunch, Valentine’s Day, Rugby, School Lunch... the list is endless!!!!

Last week at number eighteen saw the beginning of what looks to be a very promising future for ‘Ladies night’ at the brasserie. We had a very busy debut evening for the gals about town... plenty of cocktails were had! Food went down a treat, with lots of return bookings for February 24th – Ladies Night 2. As a result, we have decided to definitely make this a monthly event. So, don’t worry ladies, all is not lost if you missed January’s special night, plenty more to follow. Call us on 01873 810337 to book your table.
For the gents around town.... fear not, we’ve got our thinking caps on and we’re working on a boys night too!!! Keep your eyes peeled for more information. As soon as it’s been finalised, it’ll be posted on here, and on our website – www.number-eighteen.com. It’s going to have to match ladies night – we don’t want either side let down!
Sunday Lunch has also picked up momentum, and this Sunday we almost had a full house. It was great to see families, couples, friends – all pop in for a coffee, and leave with full tummies and plenty of flattering compliments regarding the brasserie performance. Some have even booked to come back next week!!! If you don’t believe us, pop down for yourself to sample the homely deliciousness that is, the number eighteen Sunday lunch. 12noon – 4pm! Even if you don’t fancy having roast dinner, there are plenty other options available – the FULL brasserie menu in fact. So don’t miss out, pop down for a feast!
This week, number eighteen café has launch its new School Lunch campaign. We are hoping that this will satisfy both the hungry mouths of our young townsfolk, but also the pockets of their giving parents. For just £2.50, they have a choice of sandwiches, soup, or pizza/sausage rolls. Made in house at number eighteen, and maintaining the emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced, the school lunch is a ‘one to watch’. We even throw in a drink for free.... in these tough economic times, who wouldn’t want that?! Unfortunately parents, this one is just for the kids – a bit of a ‘PGL’ with regard to lunch!
A date for the diaries..... not long left now until Valentine’s Day.... For all you romantics out there, or just if you fancy eating out that weekend, the brasserie is doing a special, limited offer on drinks the WHOLE weekend leading up to (and including) Valentine’s Day. Full a la carte menu available – which I might add is our brand new Spring Menu 2011. But in addition to this tasty new treat in store, number eighteen will pay the VAT on all your drinks! So that means 20% off ALL your drinks for Friday 11th, Saturday 12th, and Monday 14th February. Why wouldn’t you.. pop on down!?
I think that’s all the news for this week. Being a big rugby fan, I would like to emphasise the fact that the internationals are fast approaching – why not pop to number eighteen for a relaxing drink post match this weekend! The bar is cosy, relaxing, and very welcoming – even if commiserations are in store! Fingers crossed, it’ll be celebrations all round! And if you’re hungry, we’re still doing Steak’n’beer night on Fridays, so pop down for a bite to eat, a beer (or glass of wine), and a good post-match de-brief... analysing where it all needs improving!
Hopefully see you soon... the team eagerly awaits your visit! Until next time, big love all xx

Ladies Night, Sunday Lunch, Valentine’s Day, Rugby, School Lunch... the list is endless!!!!

Last week at number eighteen saw the beginning of what looks to be a very promising future for ‘Ladies night’ at the brasserie. We had a very busy debut evening for the gals about town... plenty of cocktails were had! Food went down a treat, with lots of return bookings for February 24th – Ladies Night 2. As a result, we have decided to definitely make this a monthly event. So, don’t worry ladies, all is not lost if you missed January’s special night, plenty more to follow. Call us on 01873 810337 to book your table.
For the gents around town.... fear not, we’ve got our thinking caps on and we’re working on a boys night too!!! Keep your eyes peeled for more information. As soon as it’s been finalised, it’ll be posted on here, and on our website – www.number-eighteen.com. It’s going to have to match ladies night – we don’t want either side let down!
Sunday Lunch has also picked up momentum, and this Sunday we almost had a full house. It was great to see families, couples, friends – all pop in for a coffee, and leave with full tummies and plenty of flattering compliments regarding the brasserie performance. Some have even booked to come back next week!!! If you don’t believe us, pop down for yourself to sample the homely deliciousness that is, the number eighteen Sunday lunch. 12noon – 4pm! Even if you don’t fancy having roast dinner, there are plenty other options available – the FULL brasserie menu in fact. So don’t miss out, pop down for a feast!
This week, number eighteen café has launch its new School Lunch campaign. We are hoping that this will satisfy both the hungry mouths of our young townsfolk, but also the pockets of their giving parents. For just £2.50, they have a choice of sandwiches, soup, or pizza/sausage rolls. Made in house at number eighteen, and maintaining the emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced, the school lunch is a ‘one to watch’. We even throw in a drink for free.... in these tough economic times, who wouldn’t want that?! Unfortunately parents, this one is just for the kids – a bit of a ‘PGL’ with regard to lunch!
A date for the diaries..... not long left now until Valentine’s Day.... For all you romantics out there, or just if you fancy eating out that weekend, the brasserie is doing a special, limited offer on drinks the WHOLE weekend leading up to (and including) Valentine’s Day. Full a la carte menu available – which I might add is our brand new Spring Menu 2011. But in addition to this tasty new treat in store, number eighteen will pay the VAT on all your drinks! So that means 20% off ALL your drinks for Friday 11th, Saturday 12th, and Monday 14th February. Why wouldn’t you.. pop on down!?
I think that’s all the news for this week. Being a big rugby fan, I would like to emphasise the fact that the internationals are fast approaching – why not pop to number eighteen for a relaxing drink post match this weekend! The bar is cosy, relaxing, and very welcoming – even if commiserations are in store! Fingers crossed, it’ll be celebrations all round! And if you’re hungry, we’re still doing Steak’n’beer night on Fridays, so pop down for a bite to eat, a beer (or glass of wine), and a good post-match de-brief... analysing where it all needs improving!
Hopefully see you soon... the team eagerly awaits your visit! Until next time, big love all xx

Thursday, 20 January 2011

Happy Thursday!!!

Happy Thursday All!!!!!
Just to give you a quick update of life here at number eighteen....
January has seen the launch of our Sunday lunch, which has been hugely successful! Sunday lunch is a brasserie offering, which runs in the upstairs restaurant from 12noon until 4pm every Sunday now for the foreseeable future! Last Sunday we almost had a full house which was fantastic. But, fear not, you don’t just have to have Sunday roast for dinner – the FULL brasserie menu is available too – and if you’re not feeling super hungry, why not try one of our delicious starters for a quick bite – or even a junior 18 portion!
As well as this new venture, number eighteen brasserie & bar have launched the New Year calendar with the promotion of our very first Ladies Night, which will take place on Thursday 27th January. This is set to become a monthly feature in the restaurant, so hurry up ladies and book those tables quick – January is already 75% booked, so not many tables left. The Ladies Night offers a set menu to all ladies, with 2 courses going for £15.95, and 3 courses for £21.95. In addition, because we have a swanky new bar that we just love to see spilling over with people, we are offering you 15% off ALL cocktails ALL night! Why wouldn’t you???? So even if you’re not that hungry, but fancy a good night out with your girlfriends, pop down for a chinwag and a cheeky Cosmopolitan – Nash will be happy to see your smiling faces, and he’ll be even happier to serve you your favourite tipple!
The café saw an incredible first week in January! But with schools back to the normal routine, and our regulars all back at work, it’s steadily ticking over for the moment. However, that’s not to say that they’re having an easy ride.... We’re up to our eyes with work regarding our outside catering. We have take-away buffets flying out of the kitchen, which therefore means our chefs are kept on their toes, and the office staff promptly following at the heel, kept busy organising! In addition to this, number eighteen café has recently embarked upon a more extensive retail offering. Did you know that you can now pre-order cakes for special occasions?! Or even just because you fancy having a great tasty cake for pudding that night??? Please don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff for further details.... all we ask is if it’s for a special occasion, therefore if the cake requires particular decoration, we need about a weeks’ notice to get it all done!
Furthermore, due to the success of our festive hampers, number eighteen café manager Gaby, has decided to keep this element of retail available for you! Should you require that ‘different’ kind of gift for someone, or a gift for an occasion, or just to cheer someone up, Gaby is happy to arrange the hamper that suits you! Hampers therefore are not specific set prices, but rather arranged to suit your needs. This means, more flexibility, and less fuss... and NO STRESS for you!!!
To finish, I would like to remind you all that the Steak’n’beer night is staying at the brasserie! Friday nights have been fabulous for the last couple of weeks.... it’s great to see happy smiling faces, enjoying the local produce, in our great contemporary surroundings. So grab your coats on Friday evening, from 6pm, pop in for your steak for £9.95 per person! BARGAIN!!!
That’s all for now folks... we hope you’re all doing well, and look forward to seeing you here very soon! Big love all xxxx

Tuesday, 4 January 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year to all from the team at number eighteen. What a Christmas we’ve had!!! It’s been a hectic few weeks down in the heart of Crickhowell throughout December. Despite the snow, our diligent customers still managed to make time for a quick coffee in the café, and a quick bite in the brasserie. On top of that, some even found a spare half an hour for a swift cocktail pre-dinner.
New Year’s Eve was a huge success both in the café and the brasserie & bar. During the day, the team barely hit the ground... they were running around all day enjoying the buzz from the visitors and locals alike. Plenty of people looking for warmth, and good food, and they all left with huge smiles on their faces.
For the brasserie, it was our debut New Year’s Eve, and I think it was a roaring success. The guests started arriving from 6.30pm..... after a cheeky aperitif in our cellar bar, they proceeded to the restaurant for a tantalisingly tasty 3 or 4 course meal. With smiles on all their faces, I was sure we’d made a success of the evening. From beginning to end, it was full of fun and festivities for all involved. As a team, we thoroughly enjoyed working the evening – and at 11.55pm we headed out onto the high street so ring in the New Year with all of Crickhowell’s party-goers. Fireworks on the street, and a glass of bubbly in hand, our guests and staff had a ball! A huge thanks to all who came, it was a pleasure to have had your company!
It must be said that through the busy weeks, it has been great to have our seasonal staff back! Thanks so much to Nonnie, Kate, Robyn, Tom, Alex, and Gethin for their return to the force. I addition, I must add a huge thanks to Polly – who has always been a great support to the core team in the café. The whole team has worked like a well-oiled machine, and for that I am very grateful, and inspired.
So...... what’s in store for 2011???? Well... we’ve decided to kick-start the year by upping the offering in the café. As of the 9th January, we will not only be offering the Sunday brunch till 12noon in the café, but from 12 noon, we will be giving you the chance to try our Sunday lunch offering. BRAND NEW to the concept, but ever endorsing our brand, who we are and what we stand for, the Sunday lunch will be locally sourced, seasonal & fresh! Why wouldn’t you????
The brasserie is also upping the game play, and as of Friday 7th January, you will be able book your table between 6-8pm, every Friday, and benefit from a ‘steak ‘n’ beer’, or glass of wine, for JUST £9.95! Why wouldn’t you?? We look forward to your visit.... book your table now on 01873 810337.
Our bar will, of course, be open to both compliment our brasserie offering, but also to satisfy the thirst of any passer-by who would like to sample our delightful cocktail menu. Be very aware of the Lynchburg lemonade...... it has a tendency to leave you with a contagious giggle.
On all other fronts, although tired from the busy few weeks, the team is ploughing on with their ideas for the future. Inspired by the success of our hampers and truffle sales over the festive period, number eighteen is continuing with the retail side of the operation. So, you’ll be delighted to hear that you can still purchase our coffee.. jams... truffles... and anything else you fancy! We are very accommodating and will endeavour to meet your needs.
So folks, I think that’s all I need to fill you in on..... A VERY VERY Happy New Year to you all. We at number eighteen are very much looking forward to seeing you all very soon. Big love all xxxxx

Tuesday, 7 December 2010

Festive Cheer

Hello again folks....
It’s that time of year when everyone is focused on getting their Christmas shopping done, presents wrapped, and all those cards written and mailed off. Here at number eighteen we’ve been tirelessly working to meet these needs. Our dedicated team have put together a range of Christmas hampers – ideal for the food and wine lovers of the world. The hampers start at £35 for the silver, and range up to £75 for the diamond. They are made to order, which allows for some flexibility with the content, and they’ll be ready for collection just in time for Christmas.
As well as this, we’ve just finished the final stages of renovation in the building, and just in time for the festive cheer, we’ve opened our cellar bar! As of Friday 3rd December, you can now pop to the cellar of number eighteen, Monday to Saturday from 6pm-11pm, for a cheeky cocktail, glass of wine, or a beer. Our new barman, a cheerful addition to the team, is a Crickhowell man, Jonathan. When you arrive at our bar, you are guaranteed to be met with a cheerful smile, and helping hand. Jonathan has quickly put his mark on the place, by incorporating some incredibly delicious cocktails, perfect for ‘putting your feet up’ after a hard day of shopping, or just a nice little aperitif before dinner.... which can be had in our brasserie.
Both the café and the brasserie launched the Winter 2010 menu last week. Some new additions to the café include, the number eighteen ‘beer battered fish & triple-cooked chips’, ‘venison stew, with bubble & squeak’, as well as some festive sandwiches including ‘brie, bacon & redcurrant jelly’. In addition, the café has decided to try something new this year by offering a festive ‘High Tea’, which includes the daily special finger sandwiches, mince pies, scones.... and you can even upgrade your ‘High Tea’, with a glass of house bubbles! What a lovely treat at the end of a long day of spending. AND what’s more.... the café now serves food right up until 6pm!!!!
The focus of our brasserie has shifted once again from the peace and quiet of the Autumn evenings, to the merry & lively party season coming up. The Winter menu continues to boast great steaks, and the number eighteen burger, but there have been some tasty seasonal treats also thrown into the mix. From pheasant, to Winter turkey chilli, to monkfish, there’s bound to be something tantalising to suits all tastes. For more information on all our menus, please visit www.number-eighteen.com , and for any enquiries regarding party bookings and table reservations, please don’t hesitate to call 01873 810337, or e-mail info@number-eighteen.com .
This weekend, Saturday 11th December, promises to be an exceptional night at number eighteen. We are having a Christmas party in our restaurant and bar, which will be graced with the presence of popular local band – the Heebie Geebies. From 8.30pm, the music will kick off, and we’ll be partying and dancing the night away until 11ish. But the bar and the brasserie will be open from 6pm – so get down early to grab a quick bite, then party hard in the cellar bar, and boogie through the moonlight. The team are so excited that they have been fighting for shifts to make sure they are there to see the Heebie Geebies play. So folks, don’t miss out... book your table now, or pop in to the cellar bar early and get liquored up – there’ll be plenty of festive cheer to go around.
I think that’s all the updates from the team for the moment... everyone here is raring to go, and delighted to have you to visit. So why not pop in for a coffee, or a High Tea, have a peek at our bar, and book your place for the festive party season. We are all looking forward to seeing you, and wish you all a very Merry & Happy Christmas. Big love xxx

Thursday, 28 October 2010

Half-term madness

Well hats off to the number eighteen team, they’ve only gone and done it again!!! We’ve had a fabulous review from the Monmouthshire County Life magazine. “For a moment you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a chic city side-street, […] and immediately you realise this isn’t the kind of place content to be discussed in the same breath as more traditional ‘country’ restaurants.” Whoop whoop… we are all just so chuffed! They continued along the same lines to compliment the chefs and the tantalisingly tasty food served up in our brasserie. Buzzing from this glowing report… we’ve decided to challenge ourselves again.
Faced with the economic downturn that has plagued everyone for the past couple of years, and its apparent wish to stay like so for the foreseeable future, we have decided to hit the ‘hard times’ head on, by launching an economical, yet delicious night café . Not only does our new offering maintain the concept of our brand, by continuing to pursue our goals to produce local, fresh, seasonal produce, but we are doing it in a way that suits all our budgets. Pop on down to the night café to sample our 3-course menu for only £18. Or if you prefer, you could just have a nibble…. With starters ALL sitting at £4.50, Puds £4.50 – why wouldn’t you?! It’s a great opportunity to get together with a group of friends, have a good catch-up, with a sneaky glass of wine, or a cheeky cocktail… and we even cater for the drivers of the evening, with a virgin cocktail, so aptly named ‘dedicated driver’! Pop along to say hello, check out this new concept… and experience the joy that comes with not having spanked loads of cash on a 3-course supper!
But… more immediately, we are having a Hallowe’en party this Saturday night… sweetie treats for kids, some interesting drinks too! Pop along, and if you book your table before 7.30pm, we’ll even give you 15% off! But you need to hurry… not many tables left!
Other news on the horizon… keep your eyes peeled and ears wide open – our cellar bar is opening in the next couple of weeks. If you fancy somewhere to have a quiet drink after a long day in the office… or maybe a cosy spot for a snuggle and smooch… or maybe you just need a good chin-wag with an old buddy – this bar will definitely suit you!
So folks – that’s all the news from the number eighteen team at the moment…. We are all geared up and ready to rock ‘n’ roll for our new night café , our cellar bar, and we have our Christmas treats all ready for those bigger party groups in our brasserie! Give us a buzz on 01873 810337, and we’ll make your party planning a whole lot easier! Looking forward to seeing you all here – Big love from number eighteen xxx

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

Reviews and Promos..... why wouldn't you drop in and visit??

Hello again...
number eighteen has leaped into the Autumn freshness with some fantastic new tasty delights – both in the café & the brasserie. Our Autumn menus are well underway now, with much great feedback coming from our regular customers, as well as our visiting guests. Many of you have left some great reviews on Tripadvisor.com – Many many thanks!!!
Hot off the press, we’ve had a great review in the Western Mail Autumn Issue too. We are delighted with the review the brasserie received, and it has spurred us on to continue our relentless efforts to serve great, fresh, locally sourced food, in contemporary stylish surroundings. “This isn’t your traditional chintzy country restaurant”. “Great care has been taken to convert the premises into a modern yet inviting space across two floors”. “The emphasis here is on provenance and letting the ingredients speak for themselves”. (Autumn 2010) Fantastic response – Thank you to the Western Mail!

With the evenings beginning to shorten, why not join us @ number eighteen for a cosy cuppa in the afternoon, or a cheeky glass of wine in the evenings. We have inviting sofas on our ground floor, perfect for that little aperitif, and a few nibbles. Any every Thursday we offer ‘live music night’, so the entertainment is thrown in for free!
We are running several promotions over the coming weeks... Currently, every time you visit our café, you’ll be rewarded with a voucher for our brasserie. This offers 15% off your WHOLE bill, if you book your table between 6-7.30pm, Monday-Wednesday. We are running this promotion until 20th October 2010, so pop down to get your hands on one of these sought after vouchers!
In our café, we are operating a reward promotion for all our faithful ‘Facebook’ fans! Go online to Facebook, click on our page, and print yourself a voucher which entitles you to a free regular tea or coffee in our café. Present the voucher at the till, tell us your name, and the brew of your choice! Tell your friends about us, they can become fans, and they too can benefit from this reward.
Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming promotional activity too... number eighteen invites all families to join them for Family Night. From 22nd October to the 30th (inclusive), we are running a family night special at the brasserie – book your table between 6-7.30pm, downstairs in our restaurant and we’ll give your family 15% off the whole bill. There are a range of Junior 18 dishes available, and for more information you can check out our menu on www.number-eighteen.com