Greenwich Sunday Lunch

South and a Little Bit East

2012-07-08T18:07:00.000+01:00

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South and a Litte Bit East

Quick Fried Noodles, Prawns, Mussels and Spring Onion

2012-07-04T21:04:00.001+01:00

Currently watching River Cottage Three Go Mad, where 3 actors join the River Cottage team for a few days to live off the land! Fab. But I have very quickly popped Hugh on pause and took some time to post this recipe.
These noodles were super quick, fresh and tasty - even if I do say so myself! Based on a recipe by Tony Tobins from the BBC Food Website, Fried Noodles, Prawns and Char-grilled Spring Onions, I made a few changes as below.

Time to prepare and cook: 30 minutes
Cost of ingredients approx: £6.50
Changes to recipe: I didnt chargrill the spring onions, I added in some mussels and popped onto some fab asparagus!
Tricky bits: None!
The full recipe is after the break......serves 2

1 tbsp olive oil
6 salad onions - finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp sesame oil
3 garlic clove, chopped, (I used 3)
pinch dried chilli flakes
1 baby aubergines, sliced, (I used 1)
2 handful spinach

250 grams prawns

15 mussles
150g/5½oz egg noodles, cooked according to packet instructions
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame seeds

4 Asparagus (if using)

Salad onion mixture, place the salad onions and olive oil into a bowl. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss together.
Asparagus (if using) Put the oven to 220 degrees and place asparagus in for 15 mins
Cook noodles according to instructions if you havent already
Fry salad onions in the sesame oil, in a large wok over a high heat
Add the garlic, chilli, aubergine and stir fry for one minute.
Add the spinach and prawns (and mussels if using) and cook for a further two minutes
Add the noodles, drizzle over the soy sauce and toss together.
To serve, place the noodles on a large warm plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds
Place the asparagus on top

Lettuce Gratin with Bacon and Chorizo

2012-07-03T20:07:00.000+01:00

Can you spot it? The lettuce that is? In this gratin theres about 500grams of it! Who would have thought it! Or maybe I should say 'Hugh' would have thought it! I found this recipe at the weekend whilst looking for something to do with two rather large heads of lettuce.
Its another classic from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a Lettuce Gratin.

Time to prepare and cook: 35 minutes
Cost of ingredients approx: £6
Changes to recipe: Added Chorizo and Red Peppers
Tricky bits: None!
The full recipe is after the break......serves 4

500 grams of Cos lettuce
2 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper
20g butter (I used light spray)
150g unsmoked streaky bacon, cut into small pieces - I used 100grams of bacon lardons and 50 grams of Chorizo
3 bunches spring onions - I also added a red pepper
100g baby peas or frozen petits pois
3 tbsp double cream (optional)
100g coarse breadcrumbs

Heat oven to 190C/375F/gas mark 5
Trim base of lettuces, cut horizontally into 5cm-thick chunks
Put lettuce in large bowl, add oil and some salt and pepper, toss and transfer to a shallow oven dish around 28cm x 22cm.
Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the lettuce is wilted and tender
Whilst lettuce is roasting:
Heat

butter\light spray in a small frying pan over a medium heat
Add the bacon\ chorizo, cook for a few minutes until starting to colour.
Trim the spring onions, slice diagonal into chunky, 2cm pieces, add to the bacon pan,
Cook gently for five minutes, until tender, season.
Cook peas lightly in salted boiling water until tender
Drain peas and add to bacon pan
When the lettuce comes out of the oven, heat grill to medium
Spoon bacon mix over the lettuce, leave a good amount of fat in the pan
Pour cream over bacon mix
Add breadcrumbs to the frying pan, stir so they absorb the bacon oils, then scatter over the lettuce.
Grill for a few minutes, until golden and crisp on top, and serve at once.

Beetroot and Walnut Hummus

2012-07-01T13:40:00.004+01:00

A lovely glut of beetroot led me to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstalls Beetroot and Walnut Hummus, if you have uncooked Beetroot like me then to cook it boil enough water to cover the beetroot. Pop the Beetroot in and simmer until the outer skin rubs off (about 30 minutes).

I loveee garlic and so I popped some extra bits on top, and splashed some more lemon and olive oil over the top. To serve I chopped up some toasted pitta bread!

Yummy!

Full recipe and instructions after the break....

50g walnuts
1 tbsp cuminseeds
25g stale bread, crusts removed
200g cooked beetroot (not pickled), cut into cubes
1 tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste) -(or use smooth peanut butter)
1 large garlic clove, crushed
Juice of 1 lemon
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
A little olive or rapeseed oil (optional)

1. Preheat over to 180°C/Gas Mark 4, when heated put walnuts on a baking try and toast for 5-7 mins. Leave to cool

2. Warm a small frying pan or pot over a medium heat

3. Add cumin seeds and dry fry until then release their aroma (3-4 min)

4. Crush seeds with a pestle and mortar

5. Break bread into small chunks

6. Add bread to food processor \ blender with walnuts and blitz until fine

7. Add beetroot, tahini or peanut butter, most of garlic, pinch of cumin, half of lemon juice, salt, pepper then blitz to a think paste

8. Taste mixture and adjust with extra, cumin, lemon juice, garlic, oil

Meringue Topped Summer Pots (Individual Queen of Puddings)

2011-11-24T13:27:00.000+00:00

With the pea soup currently enveloping Greenwich, this is a little ode to summer before we hurtle headlong into winter and all its joys!

With meringue piled high and summery strawberry jam, sprinkled with coconut in the middle, this is all about the best of summer - but in individual portions!

Adapted from a recipe by Delia Smith called Individual Queen of Puddings

Serves 2
270 ml of skimmed milk
5g of low fat baking margarine
55g of breadcrumbs
30g caster sugar
1 lemon
2 eggs
2 tbsps strawberry jam or other
Shredded cocnut to sprinkle

Heat oven to 200c
Bring the milk to the boil on stove, remove from heat, add in butter, breadcrumbs, half the sugar and lemon zest, leave for 15mins to swell
Separate eggs
Beat yolks and add to breadcrumb mixture, divide mixture between two buttered ramekins
Place on baking tray in oven at 200c until set - approx 20 mins
Meanwhile in small saucepan, melt jam over low heat until runny
When puddings are set, spread jam mixture over them and spinkle over coconut
Now beat egg whites until stiff peaks, whisk in rest of sugar, pile high on puddings
Bake for further 15mins until tops are golder brown

Quick and Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

2011-11-22T13:22:00.000+00:00

I love this pizza dough recipe - it never fails and you can find it here on the Allrecipes website by Gudny Bjorg Kjaerbo.

I normally use this to make a large rectangular pizza to share, the dough easily covers a 14 by 15 inch baking tray and makes about 15 squares, I then:

Spread on a full tube of tomato puree
Sprinkle on some low fat grated cheese.....and then whatever takes your fancy.
I used mushrooms, onions, radishes, peppers, tomatoes, ham and a sprinkle of pine nuts.

Bake at 190 C / Gas mark 5 for 20 to 25 minutes or until crispy.

Cut up and serve!

Bruschetta with Broad Beans and Asparagus

2011-11-20T12:15:00.003+00:00

Even though Bruschetta can be the simplest recipe in the world it feels rather decadent having it for dinner rather than just as a starter but I couldnt resist making Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstalls Bruschetta with Broad Beans and Asparagus for our main meal. It comes from his new book River Cottage Veg Every Day! (River Cottage Every Day). Have a go, its quick and oh so yummy and definitely make double and eat it as your main!

Check out the recipe after the break

Recipes from Veg Everyday by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Serves 4 as a starter and 2 as a main
12-15 asaparagus spears trimmed
200g baby broad beans (podded weight)
A bunch of spring onions (I didnt include these)
2 tblsp of olive oil
4 large slices of sourdough bread (I used walnut sourdough)
1 garlic clove halved (Optional)
Extra virgin olive oil to trickle
50 g mild crumbly goats cheese
Sea salt and freshly ground perrer

Add the spears to a pan of salted boiling water, blanch for 2 minutes, scoop them out and drain
Bring water back to boil, add shelled broad beans and blanch for 30-60 seconds, drain
Trim spring onions, slice on the diagional into 1-2cm pieces
Heat olive oil in frying pan, add spring onions, fry for 2-3 mins until goldern
Cut spears into 2-3cm pieces, add with broad beans to spring onions in pan
Add salt and pepper, toss together over heat for 1 minute, take off heat
Meanwhile toast the bread, rub bread lightly with garlic clove, trickle toast with a little olive oil
Crumble goats cheese over veg in pan, stir lightly
Pile veg mixture on top of toast, trickly with some more olive oil, serve

Mashed Up Healthy Chicken Pie

2011-11-18T11:50:00.001+00:00

Shepards pie has mash on it, fish pie too, so why not bring mash to the humble chicken pie too. I am a lover of pastry in its many different forms - but sometimes its nicer to have something a little lighter on your pie. I took a recipe by Angela Nilsen, original recipe is here on the BBC Good Food website and used her pie filling - and not having filo pastry at the time added some mash. You will need about 3 good sized potatoes (any kind) and some creme fraiche - not too much just enough to make it a little creamy.

Layer the mash on top of the filling when ready and cook for about 20-25 minutes at 200C/180C fan/gas 6. I then popped on a little cheese (low fat mature cheddar) on the top and popped it under the grill for a couple of minutes until crispy.

We popped this into individual pie dishes and it was for two so I reduced down by a quarter Angelas original recipe measurements - well its always nice to go back for seconds!!

Poached Eggs on Crumpets with Leeks and Goats Cheese

2011-11-13T13:38:00.014+00:00

The humble leek for breakfast I hear you cry!, Well why not? when you can have them lightly fried in butter, piled on top of poached eggs on crumpets and with goats cheese crumpled on top!

Try it - you will not be disappointed!

BTW if you are wondering how to get perfectly shaped poached eggs try these Poached Egg Pods - super handy.

Next time the crumpets will be homemade I promise! As I know of a fantastic recipe in the Bread: River Cottage Handbook No. 3.

Baked Giant Fish Cakes with a Chilli Shot

2011-11-10T10:59:00.004+00:00

Some people dream of Brad Pitt (or George Clooney \ Justin Bieber) insert whichever takes your fancy!, some dream of Jeanie and I dream of Fish Cakes!

At least thats what happened on Wednesday night! Now I'm one to take this as a omen, which meant that fish cakes had to be on the menu for Thursday night....and here they are (well one of them at least!).

Inspired by a recipe called Fish Cakes with Chilli Cream in Good Food: 101 Fish & Seafood Dishes: Tried-and-tested Recipes (Good Food 101). I ditched the cream, added some leeks, changed the fish and baked rather than fryed! The original recipe online is here.

My amended recipe is after the jump - the result was lovely and crispy on the outside, moist and tasty in the middle - bliss!

Serves 2 - makes 4 large Fish Cakes or 8 smaller starter fisher cakes

Ingredients
300g potatoes - any will do
100g shelled broad beans (I used tinned and shelled them - took about 5 minutes but was rather therapeutic!)
110g thinly sliced leek
400g crab sticks or surimi sticks (any kind of fish sticks - fantastic to use because you can be sure there will be no bones etc)
Salad leaves (Optional)
Olive oil
Spray oil - optional
Chilli sauce to serve

Preheat oven to 220C\ Gas 7\ Fan Oven 200C
Cook the potatoes in salted boiling water for 20 minutes or until soft, remove from, set aside to cool
Add the beans \ leeks to the boiling water for 5 minutes
Run the potatoes under cold water and remove the potatoes skins if you have not already peeled the potatoes
Mash the potatoes, beans and leeks together
Flake the fish sticks and mix into the mash mixture, Season with salt and pepper
Grab a pastry cutter - I used 9cm\3and half inch for the giant fish cakes but use whichever size is suitable (or use your hands to round the fish cakes if no cutter)
Place the pastry cutter on a foil covered baking tray (lightly oil the foil) and fill with the mixture, making sure it is compact, remove cutter and repeat with the rest of the mixture
Sprinkle with flour on both sides and then drizzle with olive oil (spray with light cooking oil if you would prefer)
Place in oven and cook until firm (approx 20 minutes), then place under a medium grill to ensure each side is golden for approx 3 minutes each side
Serve with sweet chilli sauce on the side and a handful of salad leaves

Butternut Squash Casserole

2011-11-06T18:19:00.005+00:00

With Halloween and Bonfire Night having just passed, this time of year calls very much for the orange and yellows of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, this casserole from the BBC Good Food website (you can reach the recipe from the link) perfectly fits the bill. The sweetness of the squash and potatoes runs though it, and the hearty cous cous makes it perfect comfort food for a winter evening (are we in winter yet? or the last dregs of autumn?). This is obviously vegetarian but it would go perfectly with some spicy sausages chopped up into it. It does go very nicely with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top and a splodge of natural yogurt.

Changes I made to the recipe: I didnt have Bulgar Wheat and so I used giant Cous Cous instead, you could just as easily use its smaller cousin too though!

The Pudding Clubs 'Jam and Coconut Sponge'

2011-11-02T17:53:00.003+00:00

Steamed puddings are the order of the day as the nights draw in, I found this great recipe on the fabulous The Pudding Club website (you can grab the recipe through the link). I had never attempted a steamed pudding before and took guidance from the good old BBC Food Techniques website and it worked a treat!! The pudding was moist with just the right amount of coconut running through the sponge and topped off with a good dollop of jam. The one and half hours waiting for the pudding to steam was well worth the wait! Although not shown in the photo we did of course add lash.ng of custard to it.

Changes to recipe: I used strawberry rather than raspberry jam but to be honest the variations that you could use with the pudding are endless!

Potato & Leek Gratin

2011-10-26T18:01:00.003+01:00

We bought some cute little individual casserole \ pie dishes and what better way to use them then with an oven bake. I found this recipe on the BBC Good Food website (the link goes through to the actual recipe).

The recipe is for 4 but it easily reduces down. Really nice to do something with leeks and the combination with the bits of bacon is lovely.

Changes from recipe: Instead of using ham I used bacon lardons which were super flavoursome.

Susan Reimer's Apple Spice Muffins

2011-10-23T19:34:00.003+01:00

So I had some dessert apples I needed to use and I had been hankering after a muffin for a while - put the two together and I heard Apple Muffins calling!. I have a great little book by Susan Reimer called Muffins Fast and Fantastic. The book has a multitude of flavours, and lots of muffin baking advice.

The original recipe is below:

Ingredients
255g plain flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice (or try 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon plus 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of ginger and cloves)
raising flour
110-140g fine white granulated sugar
1 egg
170 grams chopped apple
150ml milk
90ml vegetable oil or 85g butter melted
60-85grams raisins, sultanas or chopped walnuts

Optional topping
3 tablespoons soft brown sugar
60grams walnuts, chopped

Method

Preheat oven to 190-200C. Place paper cases in a muffin tin (makes 10-12)
In a large bowl, sift together: flour, baking powder, salt, spice and sugar.
In a second bowl, beat egg with a fork. Stir in chopped apple and milk, followed by oil\melted butter.
Pour all of wet mixture into dry. Stir until just combined, adding dried fruit\walnuts during the final strokes. This batter is thicker than most: apple released juice as it cooks
Spoon into tins. Sprinkle with topping. Bake about 20-25 minutes until tops are lightly browned and spring back when pressed gently. Cool for several minutes to make removal easier.

Chilli Prawn Noodles

2011-10-20T19:23:00.017+01:00

I have had total disasters with noodle dishes, but this one is always a winner, its super refreshing and rather healthy too!! The chilli gives just the right amount of heat and the prawns are really refreshing.

I got it from the BBC Good Food website (you can reach the recipe from the link).

Changes to recipe: I used small prawns rather than the larger king prawns.

Enjoy!

Cafe Bangla - Brick Lane, E1

2011-09-11T15:16:00.003+01:00

Cafe Bangla sits almost at the end of the rows of Indian restaurants on Brick Lane, its always a sense sensation on the ears, eyes and nose and the walk to Cafe Bangla allows you to take everything in.

The interior is something to behold, the first time we went it wasnt on recommendation of the food but to see a huge Princess Diana mural that it had on the wall! Now Im not particularly a huge Diana fan but the oddness of a Indian restaurant having a tribute mural on their wall was something that had to be confirmed or put to bed once and for all......well the mural did and still does exist! The rest of the walls are also covered with murals but more traditional Indian dream like sequences. The restaurant isnt huge compared to some on Brick Lane but the size adds to the cosyness and friendlyness of the restaurant.

The menu, however, is huge and takes a while to wade through but has all of the Indian classics you could want and then some. After some beer and some conversation with my dinner companions I finally made my choices. For a starter I had King Prawn Puri at £4.85, followed by a classic Lamb Dhansak at £5.15, the former had a good amount of prawns, soft covering and good amount of sauce the latter was delivered sizzling to the table, with just the right amount of spicy heat. With poppadums, rice, a beer and coffee (which we werent charged for) the total including tip was £20 - a real bargain for some great food.

Service was good and they happily let us take as long as we wanted to finish the meal (I hate restaurants which hurry you out of the door!) - we whiled away a good couple of hours there. It definitely remains one of my favourite places on Brick Lane.

If you are venturing to Brick Lane make sure you stop by for a visit - the food is great and you just have to see in real life the Princess Diana mural! - see some urban myths are true!

If you cant quite make it to Brick Lane and want to try your hand at Indian cooking at home - The Easy Indian Cookbook by Manju Malhi published in 2010 is a good place to start...

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The Woolpack - London Bridge

2011-09-03T23:10:00.002+01:00

Not quite Greenwich you may say, but lets not forget that London Bridge is a super quick 9 minutes away on the overground from Greenwich Station and so is always worth a visit. London Bridge is going through lots of changes at the moment what with the building of the new super tall Shard building and the regeneration of the area around Bermondsey Street.

And its on Bermondsey Street that we find The Woolpack pub, outside it has the look of a traditional boozer, inside the decor seems to be a cross between a east end pie and mash shop and a american diner. Now this isnt a criticism - I think it looks great, I love the booths and the tiling on the walls. Outside there is a terrace, lovely on a summers day and in winter if it gets a bit nippy they have a basket of blankets on offer to keep you warm and cosy - bliss.

Main courses are between £8 to £12 pounds and cover awesome burgers to fulfilling salads, they also do a Sunday Roast but if you go definitely try and check out one of their burgers.

The staff are friendly and efficient and the locals trendy and welcoming! Definitely worth the train ride!

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The Railway - Blackheath

2011-08-27T12:34:00.005+01:00

I am a big fab of Blackheath, and there is nothing better on a weekend then to wander up through Greenwich Park, across the heath and into Blackheath Village. When you get to Blackheath and have had a good mooch around the shops make sure you get to one of the nicest pubs in the area, The Railway.

Settled at the top of the hill and next to Blackheath train station, this pub dates back to Victorian and is super cosy in winter and bright and airy in summer. The friendly and efficient staff will serve you a great selection of beers and wines, cocktails too, and the Sunday Roast is to put it lightly huge - and great value for money. Apparently there is also a roof terrace somewhere but I haven't quite found it yet - maybe next time. The decor is a cross between gastro pub and traditional - but it is nicely done and works well. The pub seems to offer something for everyone and there seems to be all age ranges, locals and those from slightly further afield.

It is very easy to while away the hours here, and if like me you do and then cant quite be bothered to walk back down the hill and through the park - remember that handy train station and let the train take the strain!

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The Thursday Photo: The Walk to Blackheath

2011-08-25T20:51:00.006+01:00

In an attempt to improve my (rather poor) photography skills I've decided to have a Thursday photo each week, (either that or I'm just being rather lazy and want a day off of doing a full post!!!)

In any case here is a photo from our walk from Greenwich to Blackheath last weekend for lunch - rather nice it was too, the walk and the lunch!

Greenlands Health Foods - Greenwich

2011-08-23T21:12:00.004+01:00

I wonder if like couples, or perhaps owners and their dogs, that shops and their owners and / or staff take on each others characteristics? If so then I think that Greenlands Health Foods would be a perfect example. Placed along the edge of the hustle and bustle of Greenwich Market the shop is a little oasis of calm. The minute you step in you immediately take on a feeling of zen like harmony! (I guess it must be all the healthy and holistic items within!).

The shop is made up of two floors the 1st floor which you enter into has everything from supplements, seeds, organic food and wine to healthy teas and breads. Anything you could wish for to feed your body to health and beauty!....But wait.....theres more, down the steps to the ground floor and there is every type of organic and natural item for the body and home, from natural shampoos and body washes to hair dye and eco friendly house hold cleaners.

Now back to my first comment about shops and their owners, when you go to pay you wont help but notice how peaceful and calm the staff members are, I have been a couple of times now and each time the same - they truly seem to love their work.

So if you fancy making your body and mind a little calmer and healthier in what can be a frantic world make sure you take a little time out and visit the little oasis of calm on the edge of Greenwich market.

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Tai Won Mein Noodle House - Greenwich

2011-08-22T20:50:00.001+01:00

Finally we got round to visiting the Tai Won Mein Noodle House. Having walked past the restaurant for over a year, looking at the number of people always packing the place out and hearing its praises being sung by one of my work colleagues I was wondering could it really be that good? I finally found out the answer!

We decided to go in on a whim and found the place pretty packed, we were quickly shown to a noodle bench (ie a long benches with seating each side - its not as close quarters as some places I have been to) by an efficient waitress.

We both decided on noodle soups from the menu, it just being lunch and we fancied something light, but the menu covers anything noodle wise you could possibly want.

Looking around I couldn't help but notice that the portions are huge and this was confirmed when our noodle soups arrived, super big bowls with plenty of chicken and prawns in respectively.

The food tasted very fresh and healthy, we did manage to finish but around us people were pouring their leftovers into handy doggy bags, well actually take away boxes (they charge 50p for one of these), but to be honest its well worth the money. I always think noodles are like Pizza, even better the day after (although is that just me?)

You pay up at the till here and as we approached the lady magically seemed to know what we had ordered. The cost (without service charge - they don't add one or expect you pay one) was £14.95 all in - but we did make sure we popped some money in the tip box by the till.

If you are after great noodles, at an amazing price and brilliant value for money with no nonsense staff (I love no fuss kinda of places) then this isWon the place for you. I just wished we had had something a little more naughty and had to take advantage of the doggy bags!

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Bristol Bound

2011-08-14T23:10:00.003+01:00

I was in Bristol this weekend and managed to catch some of the wonderful and colourful balloons from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. I would have taken photos but I'm currently still waiting to get a camera and have decided not to inflict my mobile phone photos on you any more!

I had never been to Bristol before, I had to Bath but not Bristol. We stayed with a friend in Clifton and spent many a happy hour sampling the local pubs!

The view from the Avon Gorge Hotel bar was amazing and was the ideal place to sup a Saturday afternoon beer!

If you are going to Bristol over the next few weeks make sure you watch out for the Wow Gorillas, between the 6 July and the 7 September there are a number of colourful and lifesized gorillas that have been decorated by various artists There are 61! yes 61 gorillas in all to spot. Very similar to the Elephants that were on show in London I think it was last year or the year before.

Anyway, however nice Bristol was it was lovely to come back to Greenwich - home sweet home!

The Auctioneer - Sunday 1 May 2011

2011-05-01T14:51:00.007+01:00

Three weeks of roast dinners were beginning to take their toll, so that our love for the great british roast remains we decided to have a weekend off and try something else.
We were up and out early (mainly because the other half had to be back for the Man U v Arsenal game!). So we decided a brunch would work and decided on The Auctioneer.
Pub location
The pub is about 5 minutes from the Cutty Sark DLR station and about 2 minutes from Greenwich DLR / overground. If you are walking from Cutty Sark DLR take the back roads to get a view of the nice Georgian houses.
Whats it like inside?
Its not the most beautiful pub in the world, but I dont think people go there for the decor... and to be honest its more of a sports pub / bar - we are talking dark wood and traditional pub, meets big screens and pool tables. Well known as one of the main pubs in Greenwich if you want to see any sport. When we got there about 11.30am there were already people outside waiting to get in. The opening time was meant to be 11.30 but it didnt open until 12 noon. There was also a football game starting early that day hence the queues outside.
Who goes there?
Well frequented by students, those trying to catch a game and those after a budget bite
What was on offer?
The Auctioneer is part of the Scream Pubs chain and the majority of the menu is burgers and British classics so sausage and mash, English breakfasts. The menu is big so I can imagine that a lot of it isnt cooked to order! But they do have a reputation for great burgers. All food is priced at £10 and below. These guys are also famous for their beer and burger deal, come after 3pm and you can get a beer and a burger for 4.75!
What did we order?
Couldnt decide on whether to go for the english breakfast or a burger - so decided to combine the two and go for a Breakfast Burger which is served with chips - cost was a truly budget saving 5.75.

The Verdict
Loved the...
Price - the portion was huge with a good majority of chips, the Breakfast Burger consisted of a burger, a hash brown, bacon and a fried egg - phew!! I couldnt finish it!
Service - the bar staff were super friendly
Attitude - they dont pretend to be something they arent
Liked...
Pretty much everything else, the burger was flavoursome, the chips fine, they were hot and crispy and werent bland, the hash brown was crispy on the outside and tender in the middle and the egg was fried well. It was a perfectly nice burger and chips
Disliked...
If anything, the location, its on a main road, but they do have a outside area out the back
Overall verdict
Look, the food here is a great budget bite, if you are expecting gastro food do not come, but if you want a decent burger at a great price then this should be your first stop.

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William IV pub - Friday 29 April 2011

2011-04-30T11:55:00.007+01:00

Rather apt for a day that was all about royalty we spent the night in a royally named pub the William IV at 7 Shepherdess Walk, near Old Street tube N1. I had been to the pub about two years ago and since that it has closed once but is now reopened again.
Pub location
The pub is a little out of the way about 5 minutes walk off of City Road.
Whats it like inside?
The pub has the well worn gastro pub uniform of mismatched chairs and tables, its very bright and airy inside with all the furniture pretty much painted white. A word of warning be careful of the chairs they are all a bit rocky and one of them collapsed underneath one of our friends! Theres a more formal dining room upstairs.
What was on offer?
Pub grub but with a twist you have the usuals we are talking bangers and mash, burgers, pies, and tarts. All mains are pretty much below £10 pounds.
What did we order?
I had the Shredded Steak and Caramelised Red Onion Sandwich with Chips - cost was £8.00

The Verdict
Loved the...
Chips - have I discovered the best pub chips ever?....they were perfectly salted skin on chips, combining a crispy outside and gorgeous fluffy mash on the inside
Caramelised Red Onion - lovely, tasty and silky in texture
Doorstop bread wedges - toasted, crispy and rustic
Price - a great portion for the money
Disappointed in the...
Shredded Steak - what should have been the star of the show was tough and rubbery
Overall verdict
A little off the beaten track, and perhaps taking the gastropub furnishing a little too far but definitely worth a visit to sample more of the menu and to take in the chilled out atmosphere

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The Yacht - Sunday 24 April 2011

2011-04-24T16:45:00.020+01:00

For this weeks Greenwich Sunday Lunch we decided on the The Yacht, a traditional Taylor Walker pub.

On the way...

The walk to the pub is a stunner, you can walk through the university or straight along the Thames we walked through the University and along the small lane that houses the pub.

Pub location
The actual pub is in a fantastic position right on the Thames and abouta 5-10 min walk from the Cutty Sark DLR station.

What was on offer?

On offer was Chicken, Beef or Pork at a very reasonable £9.15 each. We both ordered chicken and settled into some seats by the window with a fantastic view of the The Thames and overlooking the Dome.

Whats it like inside?
Its a peaceful place, at least it was whilst were there, the pub sits right up against the river and you can hear the waves of the tide lap against the side of the shore as it comes in. No music whilst we were there but I have been before and there has been music and on occasion live music too.

Decor is traditional dark wood, with open fireplaces and cosy nooks. Theres a more formal dining room to the back but the best seats must be up again the window to take in the great view.

The food
The food took about 20 minutes to come - just enough to work up a good appetite. Now I must admit when it arrived I did let a small wow!!
It was huge and consisted of a half chicken, 4 small roast potatoes, carrots, green beans, yourkshire pudding and tucked underneath the chicken there was mash potato too!
The photo really does not do it justice to the size and quantity! The potatoes were small but perfectly roasted, the chicken was moist with a nice shiny glaze on it, the veg was just right in terms of hardness and the yorkshire was crispy without being rock hard.

Minuses - the chicken was quite boney and it was only after that it occurred to me that I should have checked that it was free range, looking at the website I cant find any reference that it is....bad me for not checking. The potatoes although of a great crispyness the actual taste was quite bland. Other than that I was pleasantly surprised especially for a chain pub and at a great price.

The Ratings:

Meat 4/5
Veg 4/5
Potatoes 3/5
Gravy 4/5
Other (ie yorkshire pudds and mash) 4/5
Service 4/5
Value for money 4.5/5 (fantastic value)

Total 27.5/35

The Yacht goes to the top of the leaderboard.

By the way if you click on the link for the pub take no notice of the photo - they have got it wrong on the website!!

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