Cuisine - American
Price - Medium/High - Ribs 'n' Bibs doesn't have the largest variety on the menu in the world but with the plates they post, you'll be expecting to part with at least ten pounds. The cheapest dish they serve up is the pulled pork bun which is tagged up at an average £10.95. On the high end of the scale, the specials often pose up just over the twenty pound figure but on the set menu, the dearest is the dinner known only as Vitamin P being £23.95 (you do almost get every cut of pig possible though). When it comes down to the beverage sector, the simplistic soft drinks start at a measly £1.75 and a bottled beer or cider begins at £3.60. They host a wide array of divine cocktails as well as some traditional US draft beers. During the week days R'n'B show some spectacular deals like meaty Monday's and Sweet Tuesdays giving customers unique deals to cash in on for dining out on a work night making your routine that extra bit special.
Service - 8.5/10 - The service at R'n'B was unnassailable to say the least, from the moment of approaching the welcome bar to the final step onto the cobblestoned street, the staff had it nailed. Prior to going, I had a table pre booked which I arrived ten minutes early to, however the friendly team already had it ready for me and my fellow diner to seat at. The specials menu was thoroughly explained to us as well as an in depth, relaxed conversation about the cocktails, it was almost as though we'd known the waitress for a long time and were just having a general natter. After having our drinks and food order taken our divine treats flew to our tables; the refreshments were almost instant and the food took little over fifteen minutes. Not only that but the waitress adjusted the meals to our preference, so I was rather fussy and had the pork bun minus the bun but it was to no objection from the staff. Everything was spot on and every request we had was completed, they even granted us with a humorous bib and wet wipes for our messy, meaty meals.
Atmosphere - 8/10 - Again, faultless. The noise levels were absolutely on point and at no moment did I feel like I was being drowned in the sound of a hustling diner. A chilled background music blessed the speakers at a gentle decibel, enough to relax me as a diner but again not too loud that it overpowers the natural vibe. Everyone was chirpy and buzzing off the excitement of chewing down on some specially cooked meat masterpieces, meaning it was a mellow environment to be in. An overall ambience that was a pleasure to be around and I certainly wouldn't grumble at going back.
Decor/Theme - 8/10 - U S A, U S A. Cut through the brickwork in this place and the mortar will just ooze red, white and blue. America from wall to wall with pop art of some of the USA's most famous stars, super heroes and cult classics which just scream you know which state makes it big time. A roped fairy light dresses some of the more basic elements in the establishment and bring that extra bit of cute enlightenment to gaze into whilst nibbling on your rib bone. Some other North American staples I noted were the tin gas and oil signs that were posted up on the surroundings as well as the cannibalistic animal horns, boosting up the overall honour of being in a carnivorous environment. I'd have love to seen some movie props in the place such as a mock gas pump or some glitzy Hollywood Boulevard memorabilia but apart from that it's brilliant. As of tables and chairs, the place has been set out perfectly with a comfortable manoeuvrable area. I loved the beer bottle crates which held the condiments, however it would have been ideal to have seen the house sauces which they sell for sale available for tasting. A running theme of ribs and bibs galore ran through the place as they actually sell their own merchandise including t-shirts, aprons and mugs which is a phenomenal marketing idea as well as business brand recognition.
Presentation - 7/10 - Well how many ways can you present pulled pork, sweet potato fries and a serving of slaw and make it come across as picturesque? The plate was clean, crisp and compact yet had a bursting colour from a few of the flavour elements. My sweet potatoes came across fanciful and plump with their decent size and crusted seasoning, not forgetting to mention the sharp purple of red onion which cuts through the porks dullness. I have to mention that the mountain of meat is normally served in a prominent white roll, so the image below doesn't do the dish full justice, however the presentation is still of mediocre standard and didn't put me off at anytime. The organised sectors on the plate made it easy on what you were eating, allowing diners to combine flavours as they wanted and the large oval plate left room to mop up any excess juices left over from the succulent pork shoulder. Simplistic, effective and probably the most efficient way to deliver such a messy looking meat. I'd say it was certainly a image enough to wet ones appetite.
Food/Value for Money - 8/10 - To impress a BBQ pulled pork professional like myself (I wish) would take something pretty spectacular and R'n'B definitely did that. For starters, my first bite into my decadently crisp and sweet fries was magnificent; the outer skin was ruffled and salty which broke straight into the fluffy inner which held a steamy hot temperature along with a sublime seasoning. The freshness of the cooking from the food was a class above with no part of my meal being luke warm, the piping hot meat just shows that care and consideration has been given to every customers plate choosing and that no shortcuts are being taken in the kitchen. My slaw had the ultimate ratio of mayonnaise to vegetables and I'm not normally one for it but this side was an exception; perfect crunch, proportion and a decent taste which complimented the rich pork. As of the pickled red onions and pork, they left me craving more even though my stomach was bulging through my shirt; a tangy, sweetness from the purple strings married the tender, smokiness of the shredded pork to a point of heavenliness. Mouthwateringly amazing meat that I could eat a pigs worth of. Portions for price left not only my pocket smiling but also my stomach as for only £10.95 I had some phenomenal food with the heartiest of portions. It's totally worth starving yourself all day to chow down on some of R'n'B's caveman size plates but even if you were full the prestigious flavours leave you dreaming of meat in your food coma.
Overall - 8/10 - Ever since I selected Lincoln University as my university of choice, I have been craving to take my culinary tour on a trip to the cities most notorious smokehouse and I can say with great certainty that it didn't disappoint. With a reputation bigger than Steep Hill itself, R'n'B and all its brand recognition has a lot to live up to and no wonder why every customer that steps through the door leaves hours later with a glistening glow on their face. Second to none service, affordable meat platters and some unique cocktails and beers, what is not to love? Any foodie or carnivore should jump in and gnaw their way through some of the most flavoursome plates to grace the modern bbq, sampling tender chunks of your ultimate meats. If you're feeling up to it and are into the whole Man vs Food universe then Ribs and Bibs offer a food challenge as well, either putting you on the wall of fame or shame depending on whether you can conquer the feast that lies on the day; yet another unique and loveable charm toting up alongside the companies special branded sauces and memorabilia. Situated on the left of The Strait leading up to the cathedral, R'n'B doesn't come across as nothing special and rather petite but the miniature meat mecca really is hidden gem and I recommend it to anyone. Join in on the banter and grab yourself a rib bib, get messy, get saucy, get meaty, I'm done hundred percent going to be returning sooner rather than later.
http://www.ribsnbibs.co.uk
Decor/Theme - 8/10 - U S A, U S A. Cut through the brickwork in this place and the mortar will just ooze red, white and blue. America from wall to wall with pop art of some of the USA's most famous stars, super heroes and cult classics which just scream you know which state makes it big time. A roped fairy light dresses some of the more basic elements in the establishment and bring that extra bit of cute enlightenment to gaze into whilst nibbling on your rib bone. Some other North American staples I noted were the tin gas and oil signs that were posted up on the surroundings as well as the cannibalistic animal horns, boosting up the overall honour of being in a carnivorous environment. I'd have love to seen some movie props in the place such as a mock gas pump or some glitzy Hollywood Boulevard memorabilia but apart from that it's brilliant. As of tables and chairs, the place has been set out perfectly with a comfortable manoeuvrable area. I loved the beer bottle crates which held the condiments, however it would have been ideal to have seen the house sauces which they sell for sale available for tasting. A running theme of ribs and bibs galore ran through the place as they actually sell their own merchandise including t-shirts, aprons and mugs which is a phenomenal marketing idea as well as business brand recognition.
Presentation - 7/10 - Well how many ways can you present pulled pork, sweet potato fries and a serving of slaw and make it come across as picturesque? The plate was clean, crisp and compact yet had a bursting colour from a few of the flavour elements. My sweet potatoes came across fanciful and plump with their decent size and crusted seasoning, not forgetting to mention the sharp purple of red onion which cuts through the porks dullness. I have to mention that the mountain of meat is normally served in a prominent white roll, so the image below doesn't do the dish full justice, however the presentation is still of mediocre standard and didn't put me off at anytime. The organised sectors on the plate made it easy on what you were eating, allowing diners to combine flavours as they wanted and the large oval plate left room to mop up any excess juices left over from the succulent pork shoulder. Simplistic, effective and probably the most efficient way to deliver such a messy looking meat. I'd say it was certainly a image enough to wet ones appetite.
Food/Value for Money - 8/10 - To impress a BBQ pulled pork professional like myself (I wish) would take something pretty spectacular and R'n'B definitely did that. For starters, my first bite into my decadently crisp and sweet fries was magnificent; the outer skin was ruffled and salty which broke straight into the fluffy inner which held a steamy hot temperature along with a sublime seasoning. The freshness of the cooking from the food was a class above with no part of my meal being luke warm, the piping hot meat just shows that care and consideration has been given to every customers plate choosing and that no shortcuts are being taken in the kitchen. My slaw had the ultimate ratio of mayonnaise to vegetables and I'm not normally one for it but this side was an exception; perfect crunch, proportion and a decent taste which complimented the rich pork. As of the pickled red onions and pork, they left me craving more even though my stomach was bulging through my shirt; a tangy, sweetness from the purple strings married the tender, smokiness of the shredded pork to a point of heavenliness. Mouthwateringly amazing meat that I could eat a pigs worth of. Portions for price left not only my pocket smiling but also my stomach as for only £10.95 I had some phenomenal food with the heartiest of portions. It's totally worth starving yourself all day to chow down on some of R'n'B's caveman size plates but even if you were full the prestigious flavours leave you dreaming of meat in your food coma.
Overall - 8/10 - Ever since I selected Lincoln University as my university of choice, I have been craving to take my culinary tour on a trip to the cities most notorious smokehouse and I can say with great certainty that it didn't disappoint. With a reputation bigger than Steep Hill itself, R'n'B and all its brand recognition has a lot to live up to and no wonder why every customer that steps through the door leaves hours later with a glistening glow on their face. Second to none service, affordable meat platters and some unique cocktails and beers, what is not to love? Any foodie or carnivore should jump in and gnaw their way through some of the most flavoursome plates to grace the modern bbq, sampling tender chunks of your ultimate meats. If you're feeling up to it and are into the whole Man vs Food universe then Ribs and Bibs offer a food challenge as well, either putting you on the wall of fame or shame depending on whether you can conquer the feast that lies on the day; yet another unique and loveable charm toting up alongside the companies special branded sauces and memorabilia. Situated on the left of The Strait leading up to the cathedral, R'n'B doesn't come across as nothing special and rather petite but the miniature meat mecca really is hidden gem and I recommend it to anyone. Join in on the banter and grab yourself a rib bib, get messy, get saucy, get meaty, I'm done hundred percent going to be returning sooner rather than later.
http://www.ribsnbibs.co.uk
