The Bootlegger Vault is a speakeasy inspired bar and restaurant in the heart of Richmond. From the moment you step through the doors, you'll be transported to the gorgeous 1920s, with clandestine glamour and hidden treasures dotted throughout. Whilst the venue is a popular choice with those hosting events, it also has a restaurant that serves a great selection of small plates and mains.
Try the sticky baked wings tossed in your choice of sauce, whether you prefer gochujang spicy BBQ or buffalo sauce with a blue cheese dip. The beef nuggets are also popular, paired with honey mustard sauce, pickled red onion and a gherkin salad, as are the cheese and salt pretzels with a Guinness dip and spicy sweetcorn fritters with sriracha and lime coconut yoghurt. If you're dining with others, choose the rum runner's sharer, complete with a selection of cold cuts, cheese, sun-blushed tomato, caramelised onion, olives and cornichon, served with toasted sourdough slices.
For your main, we'd suggest the BBQ baby back ribs that are dry rubbed and slow roasted, before being smothered in a homemade BBQ sauce and served with a house of fries. The Philly cheese sirloin steak is another nod to great American gastronomy, and comes with caramelised onion, Cowboy bourbon sauce and rocket. The vegan option is a chilli ragout made with sweet potato, butternut squash, chickpeas and kidney beans, served with cajun rice and guacamole.
If you’re sticking around for dessert then order the molten brownie - pure indulgence that is served with crushed walnut brittle and vanilla ice cream. Or, choose something hearty and warming for a cold day, like the fried apple pie with cream cheese sauce.