As regular readers might have guessed, we love a good festival here at city-eating. BBC Good Food, Brick Lane Chilli Crab, Taste – we’re not fussed as long as there’s plenty of good food on offer. Next week, we’re visiting the Great British Beer Festival – a huge five-day boozefest at Earls Court.
Bringing together some of Britain’s top breweries and a few international all-stars, the festival showcases over 450 real ales, stouts, bitters, fruit beers, ciders, perries and more. Whatever your poison, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy – unless you’re looking for something with an umbrella in it. This year, we’re particularly excited about the new gluten-free beers on offer and the snacks from Pipers Crisps and the Proper Cornish Pasty people.
There’s plenty of live music and ‘Girl Guide’ beer tours to look forward to but what happens when you leave, all beered-up and starving, to wander around Earls Court? If you’re into chains you’re in luck – you can sample the delights of Wagamama, Masala Zone and Nando’s without straying too far from the station. If you’re looking for something a bit more interesting, here are our recommendations for a satisfying post-beer feast.
- Langan’s Coq d’Or – The youngest and least formal member of the Langan’s family is great for those craving something traditional. Go for classics like steak Béarnaise, rack of lamb or the Langan’s bangers but save room for dessert – the apple tart and Calvados sorbet is excellent.
- Mohsen – While the décor and the menu haven’t changed in years, Mohsen is always packed with Iranian ex-pats tucking into the dish of the day. Try the legendary kebabs or abgoosht (a Persian lamb stew), or just ask Mrs Mohsen what she recommends.
- Addie’s Thai – Popular with the locals, you’ll need to book ahead at this cosy neighbourhood Thai. The food is as authentic as you’ll find in London though the service can be surly – not that you’ll notice after all that real ale.
- Bar Asia – Can’t decide between dim sum and curry? You can have both at Bar Asia on Old Brompton Road. Anything from the tandoor is usually a good choice and the bar has a decent cocktail list for the wives and girlfriends to get stuck into.
- Taiwan Village – The menu lists familiar favourites like Kung-Po chicken and crispy duck pancakes but we like the spicy Taiwanese specialties like the Tiger’s Whiskers – shredded pork stir-fried with peppers, water chesnuts, garlic and chilli oil. The staff are on holiday at the moment but they reopen for dinner on Thursday 7th August.
- The Pembroke – If you’re just looking for pub grub, go gastro and head for The Pembroke on Old Brompton Road. Spread yourself across the sofas upstairs or bag a booth in the dining room where the food is simple but delicious.
You can book your tickets online here. Don't forget to take some headgear if you’re visiting on Thursday where judges will be giving out ‘Hat Day’ prizes. If you don’t fancy it at all, treat your Dad to a ticket – he’ll love it!
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