Applebees

I popped in here yesterday for a quick restorative bite with a certain restaurant reviewer. Just one course and a never ending jug of tap water (with ice and very refreshing cucumber).

Sottish wild salmon covered with samphire was my choice. A hugely generous portion and perfectly cooked. (I could have it even more rare but that is not to everyone's taste). The samphire worked well with it. The reviewer was hoping for battered fish with chips - something to combat the whisky from the night before - (I had hoped for squid) but neither were on the menu. He made do (such hardship) with the mixed fish grill - pieces of the top fish of the day from the counter - I think it included salmon, tuna, turbot, cod, prawns and a scallop. Plus a lot of sauces to dip and slather the fish with. We shared his chips - so generous - I promised to only have two to combat the ever expanding waist line but how could a girl who loves her food stop at two.

£40 was the bill - given the quality and quanity of the fish I think that is fair.

The previous week I had been there and had Bigbury Bay Oysters (yum) as something to drink with a bottle of house fizz, then queen scallops under crumbs, followed by a whole seabass and rather naughtily a summer fruit pannacotta as well. My demanding banker client had the same but substituted the sea bass for the mixed fish grill. It was a perfect night, we sat outside and he thought it so good he would make the trip from Canary Wharf Bankers World for a return visit. We added wine and mint tea to the mix and I think the bill was around £120 but worth every penny.

It is a Fish Cafe and it delivers. A great addition to the growing food venues in Borough Market.
Comment on this reader review

Sue Hill
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, July 02, 2008