I know, Friday’s 30 degree weather might not put in you in mind of a Sunday Roast, but for me as a northerner – I can pretty much enjoy a roast in any weather. Maybe it’s the gravy, maybe it’s the roasties, or maybe it’s the comfort and family that’s associated with the meal itself.
Either way, that’s what I’m writing about, so you still have time to book in for Sunday if you fancy it. See I do think about when I publish these things.
Herd NQ is a venue inside a venue. Allotment NQ has handed over the food element to Herd, who have brought steak nights, and Sunday Roasts to the gin themed venue on Dale Street. And now both are open again, myself and the husband headed in for a late Sunday lunch.
Of course, COVID has had an impact. The drinks menu is much reduced. There are still cocktails, gins, wines and beers, but the selection has been pared down. Rather than a back shelf stacked with gin, alongside a house gin serve, there are a small number on offer on a cyclical basis.
The seated space is much reduced, and spaced out, and the staff are all masked up, in branded face masks (which I think is a great touch). We also witnessed speedy cleaning, so tables and chairs are cleaned down as soon as customers vacate them, and it was reassuring to see little things, like doorplates and handles being cleaned regularly too.
But enough about that, back to the lunch itself.
Suitably ginned with the new Opihr Arabian Spiced and Ginger ale (definitely recommended) and the husband settled with a pint, we awaited our roasts.
It’s a stonker of a roast. Slices of pink beef (you can get it well done if you’d prefer) buttery carrot, lightly charred tenderstem broccoli, roasties, gravy, Yorkshire, and what you can’t see is a proper mash, laden with butter.
Oh and cauliflower cheese on the side.
It’s plentiful, and I was sad to have to leave bits on my plate (and even more so to leave some gravy in the jug) but there was nothing for it. Not if we wanted to have room for pudding.
Luckily, the ‘second dessert tummy’ is a scientific fact (we are satiated by different food elements at different points – I don’t make up the science, it’s a thing), so we both indulged.
For him, a squidgy brownie, complete with hazelnut brittle and fresh raspberries.
I opted for the Eton mess – with sprigs of micro basil, macerated strawberries, meringue shards and basil cream. It’s summer on a plate. It’s bloody lovely. And one I’d order again and again. Oh and pair it with the Bloom Bramble gin. It works.
So, what’s the price tag? Well currently they’re offering 2 roasts for £20 if booked via Instagram.
So… Bargain roast anyone?