Buskers’ Banquet, Kitchen by KASK – ‘Bask in the best of Bristol’s hospitality’

You wouldn’t know it was a Wednesday night. Kitchen by Kask on North Street is alive with chatter, clinking of wine glasses and tapping of feet. Bristol24/7 were invited to the first event of the Buskers’ Banquet winter festival, which has brought together a crowd to enjoy Bristol’s hospitality and music, creating a stark contrast to the unfriendly February weather outside.

Seats are taken, wine is poured. Brown bags, reminiscent of packed lunches past, herald the arrival of the appetiser. Sourdough, still warm, and a creamy, nutty, whipped butter.

A simple yet strong start to the evening

The semi-legible handwritten menu had us anticipating the main course. Who is Rachel, and what has she reserved?

It turns out Rachel reserved a cheese – a salty, tangy creation flaked delicately over crisp truffle infused potatoes.

Boiled and then fried potatoes cracked under the fork to reveal a soft interior

Unidentified thigh sausage is a herby, coarse, delectable deliciousness. Whoever’s thigh it is has made a worthy sacrifice. The creamy celeriac puree almost steals the show and is met by murmurs of appreciation from around the room.

Art and art

The number of tables for two and leaned in whispers are giving Valentine’s Day a run for its money.

Envious eyes look in off the street. The gaze of a woman being pulled along by an eager child lingers longingly. A bearded man clearly post-pub briefly stations himself outside, clutching fresh cans from Avon Food and Wine.

The dessert of cheek-puckering rhubarb, creme pat, and a meringue has even the self confessed non-dessert guy at the table commenting on its tastiness. Chef Jason Seddon, previously of Pony Bistro, has delivered a memorable meal.

Fresh honeycomb completed this pile of joy

The tough job of switching over from the food to the music segment was given to Lebo, a charming 24 year old, brandishing his Nord Grand with the same comfort as me putting the kettle on.

Lebo’s melancholic tunes had the audience enthralled

Lebo’s love for music and shyness with the audience make for an entertaining performance, with softly-spun piano love songs layered under his husky voice reminiscent of Dan Smith from Bastille.

Heartfelt and poetic lyrics keep the captivated audience enthralled, even when someone sneezes and Lebo manages to politely bless them without missing a beat.

The second act was Shannon Flynn, an emotive singer-songwriter whose weapon of choice was the guitar, with her boyfriend on backup duties.

Shannon Flynn is a veteran of Buskers’ Banquets

Among the powerful love ballads, Shannon attempted a moment of audience participation, harmonising a repeating chorus and encouraging diners to join in. Whether it was nerves or the pavlova still settling, there were a few scattered hums from audience members, but for the most part it looked somewhat like a football team pretending to sing the national anthem

A powerful and sad rendition of Earth Wind & Fire’s “September” casts a spell on the room, but it is the apt final song, “Five More Minutes,” that concludes the evening, leaving the audience feeling bereft after the final round of applause. It was indeed a memorable evening.

All photos: Meg Houghton-Gilmour

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