Located in the shadow of the Penelope sculpture, a collection of coloured balls on winding poles that look like pop art flowers bursting from the ground, Epicured is one of the newest eateries to grace the bohemian Ropewalks area.

The restaurant itself can be found in the Wolstenholme Square area, among bearded barbers and graffiti-clad chicken joints, and is the latest sign of green shoots of regeneration in the often-overlooked square.

On one of the first Saturdays of spring myself and my dining partner headed to the compact little diner looking forward to a promise of quality cured meat, cheese and local tipples. We certainly were not disappointed.

Epicured is an intriguing place. There are vast bundles of ham hanging above the counter while arty décor includes a giant bull’s head, a fairy light-clad tree sculpture and even a wall of denim jeans. On one wall a video of a scooter being driven through New York clashes with industrial-style pipes on the ceiling.

It would be easy to think this mish-mash would be overwhelming but the family team behind the venture clearly has an eye for design and it, somehow, works. The interior feels comfortable, unique and effortlessly trendy – a restaurant that genuinely belongs in the Ropewalks area. But where it really stands out is the food.

There’s a simple menu offering ‘picnic blocks’, which offer a smorgasbord of cured meat, fruit, nuts, spreads and other treats. Sandwiches and breakfast options are also available, but we dived straight in to the pre-selected feast.

We opted for the vegetarian option; chargrilled aubergines, courgettes, sweet peppers, pan-fried halloumi, feta, houmous, and various pickles and nuts. Every item was carefully considered to complement the rest and with delicious fresh bread – including a wonderful slice infused with saffron – the freshness and flavour had heads turning as we tucked in at our window seat.

We also ordered what our host suggested was the finest ham in the world, hand carved Jamon Iberico Bellota from free range black foot pigs, which are fed only on acorns. The ham was deliciously rich and it too came with quality fresh bread slices. The food is generously portioned and even spending a lazy afternoon picking it was a struggle to finish it all, providing value for money along with quality.

The meal was washed down with the Baltic Triangle’s finest; Mad Hatter Brewery’s tasty Penny Lane craft beer, and a small jar of fresh popcorn delivered with the meal was a nice touch.

Epicured is a friendly, welcoming hideaway that serves exceptional food at affordable prices. It stands out because of the sheer quality of the options on the lovingly-compiled menu and on this showing is comparible to more established city sharing specialists such as Lunya and Salathouse Bacaro.

Under the stalks of the Penelope sculpture, Wolstenholme Square is slowly blooming into life, and Epicured could be the best place yet to relax and enjoy the warmer months.