FOOD + DRINK
The
BICKLEYBY LISAMARIE LAMB
YOU MAY THINK THAT A PUB THAT SERVES FOOD AND THAT IS LOCATED JUST A STONE’ S THROW FROM A RAILWAY STATION AND WITHIN A PRETTY SUBURBAN TOWN IN KENT, ON THE BORDERS OF SOUTH EAST LONDON, HAS IT MADE. BUT LOCATION AND OFFERINGS ARE JUST PART OF WHAT MAKE A PUB AND RESTAURANT GOOD. THEY ARE JUST THE FIRST CHAPTER IN THE STORY OF WHAT MAKES SOMEWHERE MEMORABLE( FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS). AND THAT IS WHY THE BICKLEY IN LOVELY, LEAFY CHISLEHURST IS A CUT ABOVE – NOT ONLY IS IT SITTING EXACTLY WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE, BUT IT SERVES UP SOME DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK TOO. THIS PLACE REALLY IS THE FULL PACKAGE.
Walking into The Bickley anyone will feel immediately at ease. There is a familiarity about it thanks to the newly renovated interior that oozes charm and comfort whilst also managing to be somewhere that gives off an air of professionalism. This combination is a tough one to pull off, but at The Bickley it seems to be par for the course. One moment you can be enjoying a drink at the long bar, or out in the large beer garden and the next – with just a word to one of the serving staff – you can be sitting at a table salivating over the menu. Spontaneity is encouraged here, but booking is perfectly possible, and to ensure you have a table it is recommended.
Regarding that menu – it’ s a good one. A really good one. Sharing platters and traditional‘ pub grub’ sit happily side by side with more adventurous dishes, and it seems that no matter what you order, the serving staff will be keen to let you know how much they like it; and what to order with it to create the best meal you can. It works too – the right potatoes and sauces really do make a difference, so when the experts make suggestions at The Bickley, it’ s time to listen.
To start with, my guest and I ordered the pulled pork croquettes and the salt and pepper squid. The croquettes were tangy, especially when dipped in the unusual but really rather wonderful apple and mustard sauce. Soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, not too greasy and just the right size for a mouthful, they were divine. The squid was tender and the batter was not too thick and served with a chilli sauce that was packed full of flavour without being too spicy.
Our mains were just as gorgeous – a fish pie for me( packed with prawns, haddock, cod and salmon with a creamy, herby cheese sauce and a potato topping that was pure comfort food) and a Porterhouse steak( served with chunky chips and a peppercorn sauce on our waitress’ s recommendation, this beast took up almost the entire plate, but was easily polished off; my guest didn’ t want to leave a morsel of it!).
Although full, dessert was calling, and so a banoffee waffle( a Belgian waffle covered in banana slices, cream, and chocolate and toffee sauce) and a lemon and white chocolate cheesecake served with a delicious homemade raspberry sorbet were ordered. And eaten. Every last crumb. Could there have been a better way to finish off such a great meal? We don’ t think so.
The Bickley Chislehurst Road Chislehurst BR7 5NH
020 8468 7613 www. thebickley. com
56