Whatever the weather, the seasonal menu always seems appropriate with frequent tweaks and changes. Choosing the food is difficult as I know everything will be outstandingly good – it always is. In cold weather months it is a warm and comforting place to be and in warmer weather it is cool and bright, as I found it on a hot sunny day in late August.
We sat upstairs in a gentle breeze from the open window with a view of the river, so it was an excellent start. The staff are well drilled and the welcome is good.
We started with the delicious rye bread which comes with a lump of good butter, and we eat that with some pickled cucumbers, one of many specialities here, while we decide what else to have. As I mentioned, it is hard to choose, and we often ask the staff for assistance; they are very willing and knowledgeable and are always happy to help.
There are lots of small plates. We chose some Fried Bobby Beans with Pecorino and Balsamella, a variation on Bechamel Sauce if you were wondering, and a Potato Fritter with Ragu. We moved on to the larger plates of Semolina Gnocchi with Green Sauce and then a dish of cold Roast Pork with Fried Sage Leaves, I know that doesn’t sound inspiring, but it was. I have such admiration for the chef who has the confidence to serve such a dish; pork, cooked pink and thinly sliced, it was delicious. We added a Herb Salad with Sheep’s Cheese and shared everything between the two of us. As it was such a hot day, we drank some slightly chilled Pinot Noir which was lovely with the chosen food. We just about had room for a scoop of homemade Cacao Husk Ice Cream, which sounded a bit pretentious to me, but it was unusual and exceptional nevertheless, and some coffee to finish off.
This is just one example of many exquisite meals I have had in this place but
there are so many other lovely things to eat here. The daily market fish served with saffron, and chilli and steaks served with beef lardons are the standout main courses as well as the Arroz de Marisco, the delicious fishy rice dish, cooked in the Portuguese way.
Honestly, it is all so thoughtfully and carefully put together. Even the chips and other sides receive this special attention and that is what I think makes this place such a treat.
I almost forgot to mention the drinks menu which includes lots of cocktails and beers and things, and a vast wine list which surely must have something for wine drinkers of all levels.
The Waterman’s Arms is not what you might call stuffy or posh, it is lovely and cool and casual; even the music, played on a proper record player, is good. Do try it if you can.
Leave a Reply