The Garrison

For me, visits to gastropubs are sometimes an exercise in frustration. The reason is because the best ones, like the Anchor & Hope, tend to operate a no-booking policy, which is never good for people who don't normally have an afternoon to spare to wait around for a table.

Last week though, the Pretty Lady, FY and I went to the Garrison, a crowded, cluttered sort of place in Bermondsey. FY's suggestion. The decor is bare wood walls and floor, but cluttered by all sorts of paraphernalia. In addition to food and drink, there's a cinema in the basement has nightly screenings, so most entertainment options are well-covered.

The Garrison

99-101 Bermondsey St

London SE1 3XB

+44 20 7089 9355

The Pretty Lady and FY got there first, and started off with some aperitifs. There was an interesting Pedro Ximenez sherry on the table when I got there - just like the Pretty Lady to start a meal with dessert. I demurred on the booze though, since I'd already started with some whiskies at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's tasting rooms earlier.

I started with sauteed chicken livers and caramelised onions on toast, and found them very enjoyable indeed. The livers were done just right (still pink in the middle, and yes, I know about salmonella), and slightly sour from the browned glaze on the outside (probably balsamic vinegar?). Lots of gravy for the bread too. Offal on toast - classic dish in many forms, all of which are delicious.

The Pretty Lady had truffled cauliflower soup, which was quite delicious, if slightly over-truffled for my taste. That could be seen as a virtue - they're not stingy with the truffle oil! Good and distinct flavour of cauliflower too. FY had orechiette (shell pasta) with ricotta and tomato sauce - great flavours, and the tomato sauce was fresh. Huge helping too.

I had liver again for mains - calf's liver this time, with chorizo mashed potatoes and greens. Again, the liver was perfectly done, seared on the outside and pink in the middle. Chorizo mashed potatoes were well done too, but nothing special. Lots of gravy though, which was quickly soaked up by the mash. The Pretty Lady had roast duck with asparagus, which was excellent, but there didn't seem to be enough sauce to go around.

FY had the vegetarian meatloaf, which was intriguing - what was it made of? Lentils? FY and I agreed that there were lentils in there, but couldn't decide what else. I said potatoes, she said swedes. Anyway, it came with a lot of roast vegetables too, and was quite delicious. Never let it be said that vegetarians don't have it good at the Garrison.

We then ducked dessert, as we were all filled up to the brim. I decided on a Chateau de Lacquy XO 15 ans armagnac, while the Pretty Lady and FY had an armagnac liqueur. Unfortunately I didn't note that particular one down, but to be honest I found it over-sweet. I much preferred mine.

Scores:

21 August 2008: TFQ = 24, CS = 25, S = 15, AD = 8, VfM = 7. Total = 79 points.