Please note that since writing this article, Mossel & Gin has closed down

I seem to end up in the Westerpark almost every day for one reason or another – whether for a business coffee (is that the same as a business lunch?) at Espressofabriek with a client, to break out the hula hoop, to take a foodie-lifestyle-mitigating jog, or to instantly undo the jog with dinner and a few drinks… So it’s just as well that the Westerpark’s offering of bars and restaurants seems to renew itself more quickly than my head after a hangover.

First up, let’s start with the good(ish): Mossel & Gin

Mossel & Gin mussels

The best of the park’s places that I’ve recently tried, Mossel & Gin serves (you’ve guessed it) mussels and gin. The mussels come in one of five sauces: either classic (presumably the usual moules marinières), Thai, chilli, Roquefort or Caribbean. We went for the Thai and chilli versions on the grounds that we wanted to try something different, but not so different that it involved blue cheese and seafood (which doesn’t sound like a match made in heaven to me – but I could be wrong!). The Thai mussels were pleasantly fragrant, creamy from the coconut milk, and came with dippable bread, chips and salad. I think they’d spent some time next to the Roquefort mussels, however, as one side of my pan started to taste distinctly cheesy. The chilli mussels were heavy on tinned tomato, but the lobster croquettes we shared to start were rather delicious. Not to mention the fantastic G&T I ordered (there are nine to choose from) mixed with V2C gin, Royal tonic, lemon wedges and juniper berries.

Mossel & Gin G&T

Net net, the drinks were great, the food a mixed bag, and the venue fun and animated – albeit in an industrial-chic way that’s rather acoustically challenged (i.e. you can’t hear each other speak).

Next time, I’ll review “the bad”. Just so you know where not to go…