Caroline Clark finds that The Victoria, located close to Richmond Park in East Sheen, is a great spot for a delicious meal on a cold winter’s day
Paul Merrett and his team run The Victoria Gastropub with rooms in the heart of East Sheen as a destination for inventive Asian inspired and classic British dishes, as well as a place to socialise over the rugby with a bar snack and fine ales. It is rightly proud to be independent along with two other local establishments in The Jolly Fine Pub Group.
My name sake Caroline and I arrived to find several families with young children enjoying an early supper – what a stress-free solution. With a friendly welcome and menus, we warmed up in the snug bar with a crisp Gavi and full flavoured Spanish Verdejo.
Dinner was served in the cosy dining room beside a roaring fire. After the indulgence of the festive season, to start I plumped for the Asian salad (£7) – an exotic mix of textures with edamame, bean shoots, avocado, plantain crisps and peanuts, with the fresh zing of pickled ginger and fresh chilli. Caroline’s Crispy Squid (£8) was indeed crisp, tender and well-seasoned, the tangy wasabi and lime mayo perfectly balanced.
To follow, comfort food was calling, so Caroline chose well with slow cooked pig cheeks, creamy mash, carrots, crispy kale and red wine jus (£15.50) – a stunningly hearty and tasty dish with rich jus, melt in the mouth kale and tender pork. My cauliflower, chickpea and coconut curry (£12.50) arrived in lots of dishes on a platter – great presentation. My first ever vegan curry did not disappoint, in fact I didn’t miss the meat at all as the cauliflower was perfectly cooked, full of flavour, mild & fruity – excellent.
We were going to be good, but with tempting puddings it was hopeless… My white chocolate Panna Cotta (£7), topped with poached blackberries and a tozetti – a crumbly nutty biscotti – was superb, the juicy fruit a perfect match. Caroline’s sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream (£7) was divine and butterscotch, with a beautiful light sponge.
The dishes we tasted explained why this relaxed gem of a gastro pub has a clutch of food awards and with well-priced generous portions it’s a must for a cosy New Year supper.
10 West Temple Sheen, London SW14 7RT
Bookings: 020 8876 4238
victoriasheen.co.uk
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