FOOD + DRINK
The
BICKLEYBY LISAMARIE LAMB
YOU MAY THINK THAT A PUB THAT SERVES FOOD AND THAT IS LOCATED JUST A STONE ’ S THROW FROM A RAILWAY STATION AND WITHIN A PRETTY SUBURBAN TOWN IN KENT , ON THE BORDERS OF SOUTH EAST LONDON , HAS IT MADE . BUT LOCATION AND OFFERINGS ARE JUST PART OF WHAT MAKE A PUB AND RESTAURANT GOOD . THEY ARE JUST THE FIRST CHAPTER IN THE STORY OF WHAT MAKES SOMEWHERE MEMORABLE ( FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS ). AND THAT IS WHY THE BICKLEY IN LOVELY , LEAFY CHISLEHURST IS A CUT ABOVE – NOT ONLY IS IT SITTING EXACTLY WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE , BUT IT SERVES UP SOME DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK TOO . THIS PLACE REALLY IS THE FULL PACKAGE .
Walking into The Bickley anyone will feel immediately at ease . There is a familiarity about it thanks to the newly renovated interior that oozes charm and comfort whilst also managing to be somewhere that gives off an air of professionalism . This combination is a tough one to pull off , but at The Bickley it seems to be par for the course . One moment you can be enjoying a drink at the long bar , or out in the large beer garden and the next – with just a word to one of the serving staff – you can be sitting at a table salivating over the menu . Spontaneity is encouraged here , but booking is perfectly possible , and to ensure you have a table it is recommended .
Regarding that menu – it ’ s a good one . A really good one . Sharing platters and traditional ‘ pub grub ’ sit happily side by side with more adventurous dishes , and it seems that no matter what you order , the serving staff will be keen to let you know how much they like it ; and what to order with it to create the best meal you can . It works too – the right potatoes and sauces really do make a difference , so when the experts make suggestions at The Bickley , it ’ s time to listen .
To start with , my guest and I ordered the pulled pork croquettes and the salt and pepper squid . The croquettes were tangy , especially when dipped in the unusual but really rather wonderful apple and mustard sauce . Soft on the inside , crunchy on the outside , not too greasy and just the right size for a mouthful , they were divine . The squid was tender and the batter was not too thick and served with a chilli sauce that was packed full of flavour without being too spicy .
Our mains were just as gorgeous – a fish pie for me ( packed with prawns , haddock , cod and salmon with a creamy , herby cheese sauce and a potato topping that was pure comfort food ) and a Porterhouse steak ( served with chunky chips and a peppercorn sauce on our waitress ’ s recommendation , this beast took up almost the entire plate , but was easily polished off ; my guest didn ’ t want to leave a morsel of it !).
Although full , dessert was calling , and so a banoffee waffle ( a Belgian waffle covered in banana slices , cream , and chocolate and toffee sauce ) and a lemon and white chocolate cheesecake served with a delicious homemade raspberry sorbet were ordered . And eaten . Every last crumb . Could there have been a better way to finish off such a great meal ? We don ’ t think so .
The Bickley Chislehurst Road Chislehurst BR7 5NH
020 8468 7613 www . thebickley . com
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