Newmarket and Black Pitts have undoubtedly struggled through a difficult transition in recent years. Admist the local community clashing with builders redeveloping the old warehouses and vacant industrial spaces, the Tenters re-opened on the corner of Mill St in the original pub structure 5 years ago.
Attached to Aloft aparthotel, it has sustained some life in the street, which had been stifled somewhat by years of reconstruction. The post-work crowd mingles with the tourists and students on the sunny terrace, suggesting a hopeful and positive renewal for the area.
With it’s retro, tasteful interiors, the restaurant bar behind the original pub presents an upmarket atmosphere for a meal. The menu offers a robust selection with few surprises, and this is the right move. There’s something for everyone here, from uparket pub grub to borderline fine dining, offered at great value prices for the quality.
For starters, I had the chicken wings, which were excellent and generously portioned, but could have done with a side of garlic sauce (alas, next time). My partner had the prawn cocktail, with delicately prepared and well presented King Prawns.
For my main, I had the pork pie and fries. The fries were a delight, being made crispy and light and cut to a curl. The pie was perfectly crisp on top, with the pork filling crumbling perfectly. My partner had their iconic fish and chips.
For dessert, we each had the brownie with ice cream, all smartly presented and rich in the right ways. Along with a bottle of the house white, the total was quite acceptable, especially given the top notch service and attentive staff.
Stepping back into the New-Newmarket in the evening light, the Tenters has definitely been a positive anchor for the renewal and regeneration of the area. If the community markets and spaces can recover too, it will be an extraordinary part of town once again.