Roast Club started in January 2010. The premise is simple - Sunday roast, different venue, once a month(ish). 2010 was a good year as we were quite committed but 2011 proved a little more challenging with 3 small children at difficult ages for eating out (although we did a few Roast Clubs at home including some BBQ Roast Clubs). There was a short-lived effort of a dedicated blog, but that didn't last so I'm going to do my first Roast Club post. For the sake of posterity, here are the venues we've done previously -
January 2010 - The Duke Of Wellington, Marylebone
February 2010 - Charlotte Street Hotel, Fitzrovia (So. Much. Food...)
March 2010 - Princess Victoria, Shepherd's Bush (star spotting - Dominic West from The Wire)
April 2010 - The Queens Head and Artichoke, Camden
May 2010 - The Albion, Islington
June 2010 - Canteen, Marylebone
July 2010 - The Beehive, Marylebone
October 2010 - The Beehive, Marylebone (again)
December 2010 - The Prince Alfred, Little Venice
And now -
February 2012 - Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green
Attendees: Kim, Nick C, Milo, Henry, Sarah, Justin, Nick G, Rachel, Charlie.
The Paradise seems to be always packed on weekends. This is the second time we have tried to book - the first time they didn't have any room at all, this time there was no space in the main dining room but we were lucky to be given a private room (the 'Reading Room') which was just off the side of the main bar. Only difference being that we had to leave a deposit (which was credited off the bill) so a massive win as we had loads of space all to ourselves.
The food was excellent. Pictured is the roast pork which came with the usual, plus some more unusual - like the Yorkshire Pudding (though Nick argues Yorkshire Puddings should be served with any roast meal) and (we think) baby kale which was an interesting choice (in a good way) for greens. The lamb was also great but they were, sadly, out of beef so no one got to try it and which may have explained the Yorkshire Puddings (in addition to the ones on our plate we got complimentary extras for the table).
Despite being quite full (we had been served bread to start as well) most of us went with dessert. I had apple and blackberry crumble with custard which was lovely...I think Rachel had the warm chocolate sponge, Nick C had the banana tart...all really great.
Quite kid-friendly (with highchairs and half-size kid servings - although we ordered one between the 3 little ones and they barely ate any) and very good service (small mix up with drinks at one stage but otherwise good).
All up - highly recommended.
