The Background:
After a series of successful pop-ups, The Fat Walrus pub and the live fire, nose-to-tail concept Whole Beast, have officially joined forces, delivering fantastic quality food all cooked over flames at one of South East London’s best gastropubs – The Fat Walrus.
Chefs Sam and Alicja Bryant are best known for their time at the Coal Rooms in Peckham, and now, returning to South London once more, the pair are ‘breaking down carcasses and loading the smokers in the garden’ with an eclectic menu that encapsulates the very best in live fire cooking with top quality ingredients which ultimately celebrates the best of British.
The Venue:
The concept’s new home, The Fat Walrus, first opened its doors back in 2016 and, thanks to its friendly staff and lively, dog-friendly atmosphere, it’s become a firm favourite with the locals of New Cross, Deptford and South East London.
The pub’s outside BBQ and charcoal grill are taken full advantage of by Sam and Alicja while inside, the pub’s comfy booths and leather seating surrounded by mood lighting provide a lovely spot for diners as they wine and dine. The pub also has a spacious beer garden that hosts barbecues and al fresco dining throughout the Summer months, and it’s covered if the weather isn’t playing ball – so no need to get wet!
The Food:
Now onto the bit we’re all waiting for – that delicious food. There’s a brand new showstopper Sunday roast in town that is bound to become a favourite with South Londoners – and it’s well worth travelling far and wide for it has to be said.
I kicked off my meal with some lovely (and crusty) St. John sourdough and butter pickles, a pot of Whole Beast pork scratchings with an aptly-named ‘smile’ barbecue rub and a pint of lager – as you do. I then followed this up with the smoked ox cheek with a roast rump, carrots, burnt hispi cabbage, roast potatoes, and one mammoth Yorkshire pud.
This was then perfectly complemented with ‘nan’s walnut tart’ – an absolutely delectable dessert which was topped off with a moreish scoop of milk-flavoured ice cream.
Overall the meal was absolutely out-of-this-world, but if I had to choose a winner, it would really have to be the main. The meat was cooked to absolute perfection and it pretty much melted-in-your-mouth as soon as you took a bite – just how I like it!
Plus, they don’t just do roasts here. Smoked pork shoulder scrumpets, Nashville hot fried chicken, ironbark pumpkin mole with rosary goat’s cheese and mushroom birria tacos are all on the menu – so there really is something for everyone at The Fat Walrus.
The Overall Verdict:
Overall, I’d say that this is a really vibey spot to while away the hours on a Sunday afternoon. The food is absolutely bangin’, the staff are great and the pub as a whole is one of the best in the local area – and I can say that as a Deptford resident myself! It’s also set just a stone’s throw away from the overground station, so it’s very easy to get to. Definitely worth heading down to SE14 for…