Almost, but not quite there since this fantastic gastropub has just been beaten to the post in the Time Out Best Gastropub nominations by an establishment reviewed in this very column – The Marquess Tavern.
They say:
Time Out: “The right balance of restoration and modernisation has been hit.”
We say:
Awards don't make or break a place and certainly, when it comes to the punters' opinion, this joint is top notch.
Having gone through an extensive renovation, the pub has been given an attractively vintage makeover with the entrance bar looking something out of the 19th century. The back dining area has more contemporary touches in the guise of booths and a mezzanine lounge reached by a spiral staircase.
Where the pub really scores though is in its modern British cooking with a rustic tinge. Salad of wood pigeon and celeriac (£5.50) was fresh tasting and so plentiful that it could easily pass for a main item.
Sure, the potato and leek soup (£4.25) could have perhaps done with some fresh herbs, but that’s a minor quibble if you’re going to follow with mains which are uniformly well made and flavoured.
Pan fried monkfish with pepper and wilted spinach (£12.95) offered a combination that didn’t overpower the fish but what nailed the meal was the bar menu’s huge burger that just melts in the mouth – beautifully aided by home made tomato salsa. Without a doubt, one of the best burgers you’ll have.
There is a good selection of ales on tap and any place that welcomes groups, families and everyone else gets my vote.
Superb stuff and a real gem for the denizens of Kew.
ADDRESS
292 Sandycombe Road
Kew
TW9
tel, 020 8940 2220
POSTED...
Sun 1 Oct 2006 at 5:45pm
