Tipped

Ruled by my subconscious

October 19, 2008

I just started working in Fleet street and have been exploring pubs in the area. Friday night husband and I were looking for food after a drink at the Old Bank of England, and wandered towards Covent Garden. As we walked up Kingsway I remembered wanting to try 'Great Queen Street', having failed to book tables on previous attempts.

As we approached GQS about 7.30pm there were a few empty tables but upon enquiry we learnt they were fully booked, however we could eat at the bar if we could handle bar stools. This was a challenge for my short legs but the atmosphere was great and the bar staff chatty and passionate about the food.

We started with 'Gravadmax' (mackarel instead of salmon) and Brawn which we learnt to be a terrine made from pigs head and other 'bits'. Both were delicious, the Brawn tasting fab spread over bread.

Mains - Venison shank and Partridge with snails and garlic. My venison fell off the bone, it was extremely tender and melted in the mouth. It was almost sweet. My hubby's partidge was very moist and flavoured gently with celery and parsley - probably braised to infuse all that great flavour and moisture. Both portions were massive, which dissapointly meant we could not fit in dessert. I was also pleased that they offered caraf of wine - a nice 1/2 bottle of Douro washed down the mains and was very reasonbly priced (and also exactly 50% of the full bottle). A delightful meal, great service and a nice buzz to the restaurant. By the time we finished all tables were full.

And why mention my subconscious.... the bill was provided on a little silver dish with a business card for the restaurant. Whilst I generally ignore the cards, I particularly liked the 'hand written' style of the card font. Flipping it over I was suprised to see 'Anchor & Hope' written on the other side - its sister gastropub where we had waited for a table the previous night and left after an hour sadly unable to eat before our gig. The strange thing is I had no idea the places were connected - or at least not consciously. Must have read it somewhere before.... the mind (and stomach) does strange things sometimes!

Keywords: gastropub

Cosy and Comforting

December 03, 2007

Great little restaurant in Covent Garden.
It's hard to find somewhere that feels like your "local" in central London, but Great Queen Street ticks all the boxes. Cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, reasonable prices, and a seasonal menu featuring British dishes. The lighting was low and atmospheric – perfect for a romantic dinner. A glass of lovely Spanish cava started the meal of nicely, followed by nice bottle of burgundy. The wine menu is heavily French, but staff are only too happy to help you through it. Crab on toast was a generous starter portion, and pork belly came with fantastic cracking. A slice of tangy British goats cheese from nearby Neals Yard served with fig chutney and oak cakes rounded the meal of well. If you are looking for some comfort food, away from the hustle and bustle, this place is it. The only negative would be that the tables are on the small side, and you may at some point rub elbows with your neighbours.

Keywords: modern british, gastro pub

Fab gastro pub, central London

August 06, 2007

This place would be great for a dinner with friends or with your partner.
The surroundings are rustic and casual but don't be fooled, the food is delcious and quirky.
I went on a warm summer's evening but it would be fantastic in winter also.
Booking is essential.

Keywords: gastropub