The first thing about the Rosendale pub, in West Dulwich, is it should have been my local. I, violin out time, tried to buy a flat on the same road, but got outbid. So I joined the ever-increasing ranks of 30-odd-year-old Londoners who failed to become homeowners.
Anyway there is more to life than owning stuff, but I do regret not having this pub on my doorstop. Drinking alcohol and eating great cuisine is far more important than bricks and mortar, everyone knows that. I arrived a bit early, as I was sick of working, reviewing is work I know, and fancied a drink while I waited for Mrs TLE. I got a pint of quality lager and sat out on the front-seated area, which is plush and spacious and was quite busy for a Wednesday evening.
Mrs TLE eventually turned up from her high-powered job and we took a look at the menu and it was great. We got table service outside by a very friendly young man, who even brought out the specials board to have a look at, it’s the little things that make a great venue. Patrons can’t be expected to walk into the pub to have a look themselves these days.
For starters we went for Chorizo Scotch egg, Jerk mackerel with sweet potato, baby corn with coriander dressing and beef fillet Carpaccio, salsa Verde and rocket. All were priced between £5-£7 and tasted delicious.
For mains braised brisket, champ mash, curly kale and onion gravy for me and the missus went for corn fed chicken, leek fritters, garden peas and wild mushroom sauce, both priced at around £12.
Not one to miss out on some tasty sides, we added creamy leeks and peas, hand cut chips and a mixed leaf salad. The mains were sizable and cooked to perfection and there was nothing left on the plate when we were finished.
We washed the meal down with a cheeky New Zealand Sauvignon priced at £26. There was just enough room to share a chocolate tart with strawberry coulis.
After that we were finished for the evening, and as we left we looked back at the pub, like the love of your life that got away. The good people of West Dulwich have a lovely gastropub on their doorstep and that is great for them, I don’t hold a grudge with them…much.
