The
6th - 12th March marks that lesser known tradition of British Pie Week and it
was therefore particularly fitting that I spent last Friday evening with my
sleeves rolled up in readiness to get down and dirty at the small yet perfectly
formed Lovett Pies container, located at Cargo 1...What I found was comfort
food at its finest; served with a smile and for not a lot of dollar. Read on to
find out more...
Date and Time: Friday 10 March
2017, 18:30
Name of
Establishment:
Lovett Pies*
Location: Cargo 1, Wapping
Wharf
Reason for Visit: Comfort Food on a
budget
What
do you do when you're short of cash but in the mood for a right old nosh up?
You scour the content of your Wriggle* App of course! This is exactly what my
friend and I did on the verge of last weekend's merriment; in order to line our
stomachs for the drinks that would inevitably follow. We found that for just
under £6, Lovett Pies were offering one of their tasty creations in addition to
two sides, gravy or sauce and an optional topping of bacon bits (a meal deal
usually priced at £8.50)...we were opting in! Luckily, it wasn't too busy as
there is limited seating in this intimately-spaced shipping container...we're
talking two tables-for-two and a couple of stools poised alongside a makeshift
bar. In light of this, I’d suggest that although the decor may be seen as
minimal, (think exposed light bulbs, distressed wood and a neutral
colour-scheme), the ambiance sparkles. My dining companion and I were really
impressed with the super-friendly server who had been left to run the show -
her smiley nature and 'here to help' attitude made for a really warm welcome.
Whilst on the subject of warmth, the container itself was an absolute
sweat-fest! We had to prop open the door to save ourselves - as well as anyone
else in the vicinity - from melting.
The
pie selection process was the most difficult aspect of our visit as there are a
number on offer - both to eat-in or takeaway. In short, I would have settled
for any of the fillings but finally decided to embark on a veggie-friendly
foray of sweet potato which had been combined with goats’ cheese, butternut
squash, spinach and plum chutney - what a mouthful...and it really was! All the
flavours came through deliciously and the sweetness of the chutney offset the
twang of the goats’ cheese to perfection. I think adding a side of roasted root
vegetables was a rookie error however as, despite tasting great, it doubled the
fun in terms of my intake of butternut squash and I found myself getting full
very quickly! That said, the second side of bubble n' squeak - which was well
seasoned and generously portioned (with an ice cream scoop no less) - was just
too good to leave alone and I'm proud to confirm that I saw it through to the
bitter end!
My
dining companion opted for the seasonal special which constituted an ensemble
of venison, smoked bacon and porcini mushrooms. It's fair to say that this was
well-received as were the minted mushy peas and the aforementioned 'bubble' (as
it's affectionately referred to) that she chose as sides. Generally, we were
unanimous in our praise for the pastry which was crisp and well-executed and
the gravy; which was of an adequate consistency and applied using the tried and
tested method of; ‘say when’…No unsightly sogginess here, thank you! Pies are
branded with letters - stencilled in poppy seeds which correspond to what lies
within - I enjoyed the novelty that mine sported an 'S' which doubles up as my
initial...simple things hey!
Overall,
this an establishment that focuses on what it does best. There are no desserts
to speak of and the drink menu is ‘soft’, (though lovingly sourced). As a
result, you receive top quality fare that has been crafted using top quality
ingredients. Furthermore, I enjoyed the upbeat atmosphere that resonates within
the Lovett Pies container nearly as much as I enjoyed the food itself.
Dining-in really feels like you've popped 'round a friend's house for dins and
a natter and although I'm sure that this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, it
certainly kept a smile on my face! Incidentally, there is a similar experience
to be had a couple of doors up at Corks of Cargo*; where I would fully
recommend that you head to in order to follow up your pie with a glass of wine.
This is without doubt the best option if, like yours truly, you like to eat and
drink...to be merry!
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