Biddy at The Newbury

Sunday lunch at The Newbury – the gastropub in Bartholomew Street – comes high on my list of recommendations.

The husband and I took the younger members of our family, including our grandson DD (Diddle Dumpling – not actually on his birth certificate you understand!) there last weekend. The husband has been several times before for a light lunch or post-work drink but this was our first venture to sample the delights of the ‘full works’.

We had booked well in advance as we had been told how popular their Sunday lunches are, and were very pleased we did as there was a regular flow of people coming in to dine. A high chair for DD had been pre-booked and was ready and waiting for us, and we were able to sit and browse the regularly changing menu at our leisure over a drink – there was no pressure here to get us in and out for another sitting, just how we like it. The menfolk enjoyed sampling local beers and ciders; me, I wanted to keep a clear head, with DD to be kept amused (and I had volunteered to drive).

The interior of The Newbury is contemporary and comfortable. This is not your traditional High Street drinking pub; they have created an air of style, something that little bit special. This follows through on the menu. I always prefer just half a dozen or so choices for each course, knowing then that ingredients are likely to be seasonal and fresh – and much easier to choose between when not overwhelmed with far too many options.

I quickly settled on what was listed as a bar snack as a starter: Portland crab served on toast – and it was probably the nicest crab I’ve ever tasted. The husband went for the mussel chowder, a must-have if he ever spots it on a menu. It being Sunday, and The Newbury being famed for its beef roasted slowly for 12 hours, it was a no-brainer that we both chose that. Beautifully flavoured and melt-in-the-mouth – you’ve got to try it to believe how good it is. This was served with a lovely selection of fresh veggies and the most gorgeous, crispy roast potatoes ever – spot on!

Despite all of us being more than full, and us all taking it in turns to keep DD amused – it’s hard to sit still for two hours or so when you are not even two years old – we decided we could just about manage a pud.  I needed something fairly light by now so was torn between the Italian affogato (a particular favourite of mine) but decided to try something different: elderflower jelly with yoghurt sorbet, passion fruit mallow and fresh fruits. It was a great choice: a truly lovely combination with lots of interesting things going on. The husband could not resist the very sinful chocolate chip and honeycomb Eton mess – a very rich take on the traditional Eton mess! Younger members of the family went for the homemade ice cream (including salted caramel and popcorn flavour) and voted it ‘scrummy’.

Being a bit nosey, I popped upstairs to have a quick peep at the cocktail bar and roof terrace – all very smart and I am looking forward to a return visit to lounge on the wonderfully comfortable looking furniture out on the sun terrace before summer’s through. Maybe see you there!

Biddy x