The Rookery

I'm torn. For the past year or so The Rookery has been my number one recommendation for people visiting our little corner of London. Warm, friendly gastro pub (dark wood and exposed brick) with interesting seasonal menus, really inventive nibbles and great ales on tap. Yet something's gone awry. The gorgeous, salivate-just-thinking-about-them burgers on brioche buns aren't so saliva-inducing any more. The 'charred' bun is now frequently just plain burnt, the patty dry and uninspiring. Ditto the mac and cheese - too watery, low on the cheesy. Word from our neighbours is that the original chef has left - we despair. Why, why would the universe do this to us #firstworldproblems.

But still, we persist with the place, mainly because it's a mere stumble from our front door - but also because the long-standing staff are just brilliant. Helpful, but not intrusive; funky/stylish, but not too cool for school. 

So we take our friends from Ireland over the road for another try on Thursday - where we are pleasantly surprised. The place is packed; the staff still brilliant, and the menu has some lovely new summery twists. My feta and watermelon salad is beautiful, and the sweet/salty combo works a treat - a real taste of my South African home, where the salad is a perennial fave.

The new little fishcakes are packed with salmon chunks and come with a feisty take on tartare sauce. The coronation chicken, with a side of warm mini naan breads, is totally moreish and gets our table's vote for dish of the day.

The pear and apple crumble to follow gets the thumbs up all round - but then the Rookery crumbles have never faltered. My tea with Baileys is served without the raised eyebrows I usually get elsewhere. 

Great meal, fantastic, professional service. It's back on my hot list...

By hook or by c(R)ook(ery)
The Rookery
69 Clapham Common South Side
London
SW4 9DA