Pie Rooms at the Newman Arms
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Finding a friendly, interesting, authentic and reasonably priced place to eat in the centre of London is not always easy. Thank heavens then for the Pie Rooms above the Newman Arms pub.
This small pub hidden away on Rathbone Street north of Oxford Street between Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street tubes is an undiscovered gem. In the past it was the regular haunt of George Orwell, who mentions the pub in his books 1984 and Keep the Aspidistra Flying, but this tiny pub is now best known for the quality of its pies - some of the best in London.
The downstairs of the two-floor establishment is taken up by the bar area which serves a good selection of well-kept beers and is almost always full to bursting point with people enjoying the feel of a friendly local boozer in the middle of the West End.
The Pie Rooms themselves are upstairs and are no bigger, in fact they could probably hold 15-20 at most. They feel rather like you've been invited into your eccentric aunt's cottage. Cases of butterflies and old cigarette cards adorn the walls, and every available surface has a host of trinkets jostling for space and attention. This, then is the setting for their pies.
The menu contains a selection of classic pies, most of them childhood favourites, which are served year round. These include Steak and Kidney, available either as a pie or as a steamed suet pudding, Chicken, Gammon and Leek and Lamb and Rosemary, with a further selection of specials depending on the season. These range from classic combinations, Pork, Mushrooms and Cider, to the unusual Elizabethan Pie - a combination of mutton, spices and sultanas.
Whichever you order they arrive in the same way - in a porcelain dish covered with pastry which seems to rise almost to the heavens and served with a selection of seasonal vegetables. The pub prides itself on sourcing its ingredients locally. It gets all of its meat from known suppliers and their vegetables from local sources.
If having finished the mountainous pie you are ready for more then there is a pudding menu that is equally British. They serve the classics and I am yet to be able to resist the lure of treacle sponge or spotted dick and custard. They are not subtle, and definitely not for slimmers, but they are delicious, comforting and true examples of traditional British cookery.
It is places like this that have helped dispel the myth that all British food is stodgy and flavourless. The pies cost around £10 with desserts costing no more than £4 meaning, that considering its location, it offers a very reasonably priced meal out.
The restaurant is closed at weekends and due to its size and popularity it is essential to book a table, otherwise you will be out of luck.
Rathbone Street 23, London, UK
Contact tel: 020 7636 1127
Cost 2 course a la carte: £10 - £25 per person
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The Newman Arms
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