A Taste of Nottingham: A Daytime Food Tour in West Bridgford
On Saturday 7th February, we brought together a brilliant group of food lovers for A Taste of Nottingham, a relaxed daytime dining experience exploring some of West Bridgford’s best independent venues.
This wasn’t about rushing from place to place or ticking boxes. It was about taking our time, enjoying great food, discovering new favourites, and sharing the experience with welcoming, like-minded people.
From first introductions to final glasses of wine, the atmosphere was easy, friendly and full of flavour.
Why daytime tastings work so well
One thing our members consistently love about these events is the daytime format.
It feels relaxed and sociable, with none of the pressure that can come with evening plans. You can dip in and out, choose how much or how little you have at each stop, and still have your evening free.
As one guest put it:
“I really liked it being held in the day rather than the evening. Everyone was lovely, and it felt relaxed and welcoming from the start.”
Stop one – Rawsha
Rawsha set the tone perfectly.
Rawsha specialises in modern Indian cuisine, combining traditional techniques with beautifully balanced, contemporary flavours. The menu leans towards refined classics done exceptionally well, with an emphasis on quality ingredients, careful spicing and elegant presentation.
A beautiful venue with a calm, stylish feel, and food that genuinely impressed everyone around the table. The flavours were bold, vibrant and beautifully balanced.
Highlights included:
- Chicken tikka cooked to perfection
- Succulent king prawns with incredible depth of flavour
- Dishes that felt indulgent but refined
It quickly became the standout favourite of the day, with several guests already keen to return for a full meal.
“Amazing food and atmosphere, could not fault it.”
“Rawsha was incredible, I’d love to go back for a full meal.”
Everything felt thoughtfully prepared and indulgent without being overwhelming, which made it ideal for a tasting experience. Several guests commented that the food felt “special occasion worthy”, and it’s easy to see why Rawsha is becoming a firm favourite in West Bridgford.
Stop two – Yumacha
Next up was Yumacha, offering a completely different but equally enjoyable experience.
Yumacha offers Asian-inspired dishes designed for sharing, making it a great stop for a social tasting event. The menu encourages a communal approach, allowing guests to try a variety of flavours in one sitting.
The sharing approach worked brilliantly here, giving everyone a chance to try a range of dishes without it feeling heavy or rushed.
Standout mentions:
- The bento box, perfect for sharing
- Prawn toast that was crisp, indulgent and a real highlight
- Excellent value for money in a relaxed setting
“Great food and atmosphere.”
“The bento box was a really great idea and the food is excellent.”
The food here is approachable, flavourful and perfect for relaxed daytime dining. It sparked plenty of conversation around the table and worked brilliantly as a mid-tour stop.
Stop three – Escabeche
Escabeche brought the cocktail energy.
Escabeche brings a Spanish-inspired menu with bold flavours, small plates and an excellent cocktail offering. This stop leaned into indulgence, with both savoury and sweet dishes stealing the show.
From expertly made drinks to indulgent desserts, this stop was all about flavour and flair.
Favourites included:
- Pork belly tacos, rich and perfectly cooked
- Crema catalana that several guests are already planning to return for
- Espresso martinis described as smooth, balanced and dangerously good
“The best espresso martini I’ve had.”
“The crema catalana was divine, I’ll definitely be going back.”
This was one of the most playful stop of the afternoon, with food and drinks designed to be enjoyed slowly and shared, adding a lively energy to the middle of the tour.
Final stop – Melo Melo
We finished at Melo Melo, the perfect place to slow things down and linger.
Melo Melo is all about wine, cheese and relaxed indulgence, making it the perfect place to finish. The menu focuses on carefully curated boards and a strong wine selection, paired with genuinely attentive service.
Cheese boards, excellent wine, and genuinely thoughtful service made this a brilliant final stop.
What really stood out was the personal touch. Rather than pushing a menu, the team asked what people liked and created drinks to match.
“Friendly staff and excellent wine.”
“They asked what I liked in a cocktail and made something perfect. I ended up with a fantastic amaretto sour.”
The atmosphere here encouraged people to linger, chat and unwind, rounding off the day in a way that felt unhurried and sociable.
More than food, it’s about the experience
While the food was outstanding, what truly made the day special was the people.
Everyone mixed naturally, conversations flowed easily, and nobody felt left out. Whether people came alone or with friends, they were welcomed and included from the first stop.
“Finally got to try restaurants that had been on my list for ages, and meet some lovely new people.”
“Relaxed, well curated, and full of flavour.”
That’s exactly what Affinity is about. Creating experiences where people feel comfortable, connected, and able to enjoy something new together.
What’s next?
Following how much love Rawsha received, we already have plans in motion for a full meal there later this month, along with more daytime tastings and dining experiences across Nottingham.
If you love discovering new venues, enjoy good food, and want to meet people who value quality experiences, you’ll feel right at home.
👉 Explore upcoming dining social events and join the Affinity community!
Your next great experience might already be waiting.