The Foresters

I’d peeked into this place before and had been impressed – but at the time I had my dog with me and they are only allowed in selected bar areas so I hadn’t stayed. But I returned a short while ago, as it is conveniently close to where my son lives in Hampton and just a 10 minute walk from Kingston town centre and all the anonymous chain restaurants there.

It sits on a commanding corner plot on a main road – so although there are a few tables outside, you probably don’t want to spend much time there.

The interior is a pleasant surprise. In some ways it is much like any other modern but traditional pub – dark wood rules. But it is clean, modern and rather tasteful. Definitely superior to the majority of other pubs both in the immediate area and across large parts of London.

There’s a delightful separate room off the bar with bench seats at the sides and a large table in the middle – that must be great for a private do or a family gathering. The main drinking area winds around a large central bar – and it was busy but not crowded when we visited one evening.

The large dining area is out through the back. The ceiling is hidden by a huge suspended fabric affair which makes it seem a little like the interior of a very classy tent. There’s a raised area at the end, a small bar in the corner and the ceilings above the brick walls are delightfully decorated with garlands of greenery set with tiny lights. It’s rather romantic. As well as the usual tables for twos and fours, there’s also a huge glass topped table that would probably seat around 16 people. On the walls there are blackboards highlighting specials – food, cheese, wine and beer. Background music included some Motown and more current tunes.

My son chose the Tuscan bean soup with roasted chestnut and garlic crisps (£6.50) which was served with bread and butter. Hearty, smoky, warming and full of flavour. His girlfriend had the starter portion of baby back ribs in spiced barbeque sauce with honey and teriyaki dressed Asian slaw (£7) – we all tasted those ribs which were perfectly cooked and a good sized portion. I choose one of my favourites – chicken (free range Norfolk) liver parfait with toasted brioche and “aunt Lilly’s piccalilli” (£7.50) – really light and creamy.

While the main courses offered all sorts of treats – lamb, pork belly, aged rib eye steak as well as some interesting vegetarian options (e.g. carrot and rosewater mousse, fresh garden pea and Ticklemore goat’s cheese risotto) my son and his girlfriend decided to choose the burgers. And not just any old burgers – A “smoked Caledonian 28 day aged Scottish rib eye burger with fresh horseradish, topped with mozzarella cheese served in a double seeded cream brioche bun (£14.50) – add smoked streaky bacon for £1.00.

These arrived on slates, with a pot of fries and a portion of coleslaw and a pot of home-made red onion relish which was sweet and chunky. I choose the line caught beer battered (super light and crispy) Atlantic cod (good texture) served with King Edward fat chips, pea and mint puree, house tartar sauce, dressed lemon (in a muslin!) and scraps (£14.50). Magnificent although the piece of fish was of a modest size. .

Overall, the two courses for the three of us with a bottle of wine (South African Chenin Blanc at £16.70 which was excellent) came to £106.37 including service. I thought that was good value for money considering the exceptional quality of the food and cooking and the wonderful experience.

The place has won numerous accolades – including pub of the year on a number of occasions. And it’s obvious why it is so popular and highly regarded.

The food was exceptionally good, the service was attentive (even though one of our burgers arrived without the ordered bacon which was then delivered on a separate plate) although the constant “darling” and “lovely” takes a bit of getting used to and the décor and atmosphere were really good. I was a little put out that they didn’t accept American Express but that’s a minor peeve. My only wish is that it was MY local!

The Foresters

Food Served

Big Screen TV

Disabled Facilities

Credit Cards Accepted

Music Played

Live Music Played

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