It cut through like soft butter, had a deep meaty flavour, slathered in manchego butter (I know) and crisp just enough on the outside to add extra depth. One of the best pieces of bone in rib eye I’ve eaten in the last 12 months. If only my Sunday lunch was like this – sadly my roastie baking skills are to be desired, by no one. Crunchy, fluffy, buttery and the right shade of perfectly golden. The gravy was rich and glossy too but the star was those roasties. Soft and juicy, well-seasoned, loads of flavour and the cracking had the perfect crunch – there was even a spiced roasted pear hiding underneath. Main courses here at The Black Swan I have to say, were faultless. I could have perhaps done with a fourth bon-bon, but otherwise I had no complaints. Even better still, and incredibly mouth-watering was the blood orange & radicchio salad with three heavenly blue vinny bon bons and light citrus dressing. When simple is done well it’s often the most satisfying. While a relatively simple dish its construction of flavours and texture was expertly executed.
First out was a smoked mackerel, pickled cucumber, apple, dill & creme fraiche medley. Not mind-blowing but solid full-flavoured offerings and incredibly fresh. Bliss.įood wise we got off to a good start. We settled in with some good bread, smoked butter and delicious glass of sweet & floral Gruner-Veltliner. The choice of wine here is what really sets this pub apart from most others with a selection of fine wines by the glass from the enomatic machine. No broken promises or over describing – they tell you exactly how it is and it doesn’t disappoint. The great thing about the menu here is that not only does it read very well, but it delivers on flavour. A roaring open fire as you walking in, the sultry smell of burning wood, soft fur furnishings, buzzy atmosphere and food to die for.
The Black Swan in Ockham is the sort of place you dream is your local. An idyllic countryside pub with a very British menu utilising local and seasonal produce, a fantastic wine list and proper ales. A short 30 min train journey from Clapham Junction and only £7 lighter (return ticket) we arrived at The Black Swan Ockham.
Time slows down, trains are quiet and the people are dare I say it – much more friendly. The city has gotten so busy over the last few years (and I’ve got a few years older) that escaping to the countryside, small village or just an out-of-the-way location has become increasingly exciting. As a born and bred Londoner, getting out of London at the weekends has become rather frequent.
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