Tom Hedley has got no beef with New Cross House.
I’ve just had an excellent February. No, not because it was National Bird Feeding Month, nor because I actually had a date this Valentine’s. Most important of all, it was #frugalfebruary, New Cross House’s month long promotion where all food was served with 25 per cent off.
For those of you who haven’t heard, the New Cross House menu is splendid. I took a buddy there late last week and quote, unquote, he had the best burger he’s ever had. And he’s had a lot of burgers. It’s true, gastro-sandwiches are commonplace in postmodern London venues, but the House really does take the biscuit.
The range is not wide – it doesn’t have to be. The basics include a beef patty (a 21-day aged steak patty) served on a bed of baby gem lettuce, onions, tomato and pickles, smothered in a fondant-like mess of cheddar cheese, wrapped up in a toasted glaze bun. Feeling greedy? Add BBQ sauce, bacon or blue cheese, or drop the beef altogether, and opt for the grilled chicken burger with mozzarella, pesto and sundried tomatoes.
Veggies have it pretty good, too. The deep-fried breaded halloumi with soy and ginger dipping sauce, is more than appetising, as well as the range of wood-fired pizzas whose toppings I can’t pronounce. If Bocconcini, Gruyère and Buratta sound appealing, it will be right up your street. If you ask for mayonnaise, you’ll get Aiolo instead, a garlic-infused mayo dip. It’s ten times better – trust me.
If you’re lucky enough to be round on Sunday, the roast dinners are immaculate. Beef brisket with horseradish, half-chicken and bread sauce, to just name a few. Get there early, though. Half the tables are reserved, and the other half are seized upon as soon as they become vacant. Same goes for the weekend: often overflowing – it’s the only real downside of the place.
While February was great, the New Cross House was only working at 50 percent capacity. The spring and summer sell is the self-proclaimed ‘Barn / Treehouse / Stable thing’ at the rear of the beer garden. The decked-out open air, three storey high shed is a real catch for smokers and sun-gazers, and to top it off, you can order anything from the bar via mobile app Barpass. What more could you want?
A bottle of vino will set you back at least 20 quid – the list is long and prices are steep. An ale type of guy? The range is awe-inspiring. I personally enjoy my Amstel on tap, or Coca Cola with a slice of orange. Yep, an orange.
The South-East is really doing London gourmet justice, and New Cross House is playing its culinary part. See you there—in the sun, hopefully.
INFO: 316 New Cross Road, London SE14 6AF, 0208 691 8875, enquiries@thenewcrosshouse.com