May The Stockpot in Soho forever stay firmly entrenched in the past – its power rests in producing a menu easily two decades out of date, but that’s why we love it.
Soho doesn’t have too many affordable eateries that can conjure up both a good standard of food and their own inimitable style but The Stockpot helps to keep up the quotas. This sixties/seventies restaurant is all about producing the old fashioned British meals of the past – serving up the likes of chicken, liver and onion to tourists, locals and hipsters alike.
The mixture of booth seating and tables keeps everyone cramped together but the number of covers ticking over keeps prices low in a place that thrives on its budget reputation – so rubbing elbows with your neighbours just has to be tolerated. This is not fine dining by a long stretch but for good eating laced with character it’s the Soho choice.
Dishes of the likes of lasagna, roast meat and potatoes, mixed grill and shepherds pie should let you know what you’re getting yourself into. However, don’t let the canteen-like list fool you into thinking you’ll be served anything other than solid, hearty food. The omelettes are also a particular favourite and naturally they come served with chips. Desserts are famous at The Stockpot, if only solely for the memories of childhood that they manage to evoke every time. Step through the time warp and discover the forgotten excellence of custard and sponge, jelly of the day and crème caramel.
House wine is under ten pounds a bottle which means that a visit to The Stockpot with two courses and a bottle can be as little as £14 per person. Central London doesn’t get much cheaper.
The Stockpot remains a classic that continues to give pleasure to all the weird and wonderful misfits and malcontents that Soho still manages to conjure. Long may it continue.
