Thatched roof, old styled wooden chairs and tables, patterned curtains draped over the windows. This is one of the stone-built traditional pubs in Shanklin, Isle of Wight; one of the oldest as well - listed in the Doomesday Book. Such an interesting fact that the history of the place could go back as far as 1086.
Naturally we went for the "classic" pub food; sausage and mash, beef ale pie, and after the last disappointing fish & chips experience, I took another dare. The beer-battered fish that came was so big that it sticked out of either side of the already long plate, and awed the devourer into silence. The chunky chips were reassuringly comforting, and the boiled peas only so-so. With the mouth full, yet the hands were busy digging into friends' plates. The ale steak pie was the best of all; chunks of prime beef marinated and cooked in the special gravy sauce, were oozing out of the home made pie pastry that soaked up just the right amount of the juice, yet was not soggy; striking an excellent balance.
Luckily, yet unfortunately, Isle of Wight is a tad far to get to, or I would be having more than I meant to.
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The Crab Inn
94 High Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6NS
Fish & Chips/Beef & Ruddles Ale Pie £7.95 each
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Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
over-rated
I've passed this place for a numerous of times and it always looked so busy inside. Not a big fan of English cuisine, it took a while before I finally set foot in it.
The restaurant was cozy and "traditional" looking (and smelling); although basement was somewhat dark and lonely. Known for its fish & chips, there were many types of fishes on offer; from cod, haddock to other types of white fishes like plaice and skate.
While we sat and waited between the tiled walls; I suddenly noticed the people sitting around us have all come with a guidebook or map; is it as known amongst the locals as for tourists?
The verdict? My ideal choice of haddock as the fish was fresh, and had a sweeter taste than the meaty cod. Apart from that, the batter was stale, chips were cold and the mushy peas unimpressed. Not at all what I had in mind.
Who am I to judge a place that existed long before my time? To be complete honest, I've had better.
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Rock and Sole Plaice
47 Endell Street, London, WC2H 9AJ
Standard Fish & Chips £10
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The restaurant was cozy and "traditional" looking (and smelling); although basement was somewhat dark and lonely. Known for its fish & chips, there were many types of fishes on offer; from cod, haddock to other types of white fishes like plaice and skate.
While we sat and waited between the tiled walls; I suddenly noticed the people sitting around us have all come with a guidebook or map; is it as known amongst the locals as for tourists?
The verdict? My ideal choice of haddock as the fish was fresh, and had a sweeter taste than the meaty cod. Apart from that, the batter was stale, chips were cold and the mushy peas unimpressed. Not at all what I had in mind.
Who am I to judge a place that existed long before my time? To be complete honest, I've had better.
-----
Rock and Sole Plaice
47 Endell Street, London, WC2H 9AJ
Standard Fish & Chips £10
View Larger Map
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