Last night, we went to the Harwood Arms in Fulham Broadway. It had been on my list for quite some time as it was London's first pub to receive a Michelin Star.The look and the feel of the place is pretty much like any other upscale pub (careful not to use the G-word, gastropub, since that term is apparently thrown to the wayside of late). Ok, there are a few touches that I wouldn't find in my local. One of our friends came out of the gents and was giddy to tell us that there were actual hand towels instead of dryers or paper towels. On our table was a small, sweet bouquet of flowers and a nice candle (which I managed to knock over and spill wax all over my friend).
Our server made us feel right at home - she wasn't rushing us and had very decisive, confident recommendations anytime we asked. She looked after us well - not overly-attentive yet there right when we needed something.
But of course, these are all bonuses in my book - we'd really come for the food. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint for the most part. I wouldn't normally comment on a restaurant's bread and butter - but Harwood Arms' was standout. Very fresh and flavourful and the butter was room temperature and nicely salted. For our starter, we shared the plate of wood pigeon for two (in the picture we snapped here). It consisted of risolles, one large kiev, and pâté- plus small cups of soup. We both really enjoyed this dish - the rissoles were the best. I'm not a big pâté fan but my partner assured me it was very good. Our friends both had the pork belly starter. I wish I'd snapped a photo as it was the most inventive way I've seen pork belly served! They'd used the actual pork belly to create ravioli (you would have thought it was a very thin pasta) stuffed with a delicious filling - they were quite happy with their choice, too. Mains came and three of us had the cod which was served with cauliflower, samphire, and small brown shrimps. It was perfectly cooked and the flavours in the broth that surrounded the fish were a perfect compliment. While I've cooked with samphire before, this was the first time I really got samphire and what it can add to a dish if paired and cooked properly. My partner chose the beef cheeks in ale sauce, served with champ (mashed potatoes with spring onions)... not quite as satisfying as our cod.
It was quiz night at the Harwood Arms which they had warned us about prior to booking. We were happy to partake and thought it was great fun, despite coming in nearly last place. The one thing I hadn't realised until visiting the website today is that quiz night also means an abbreviated menu versus other nights... so you have 3 choices each for starter, main , and pud... And while I definitely would like to go back for another quiz night (perhaps with some smarter friends in tow), I think I'll give a normal night a try too, just so that I can revel in the full menu of options.
