My preconceptions about Ealing Park Tavern were that it would offer standard pub grub, but how wrong I was.
I would describe my experience more as a fine dining one, with classic dishes cooked to a high quality using fresh produce the staff take pride in presenting.
The head chef told me they aim to do simple food, but to do it well, and I definitely think they meet this intention.
The food I tried was full of good and strong flavours, presented elegantly, but nothing was too fussy or over the top.
Residents of the leafy South Ealing area have benefitted, as I do not think there is anything offering the same style of food in the area.
Having re-opened just over a month ago with new owners, new chefs, new management and new menus, the tavern is already busy every night, but not unpleasantly so. Rather, I found the atmosphere cosy and quite up-market while maintaining comfort.
Prices are neither cheap nor extortionate; I think you get what you pay for.
My flatmate and I started with chilli salt squid and sweet chilli sauce, £5, and honey roast kiln salmon, beetroot, horseradish, £8. Both dishes were delicious and the portions were generous for starters.
For my main meal I ordered Peterhead cod fillet, seashore vegetables, mussels, £15. I found the cod hearty yet tender in texture and the mussels were juicy.
My dining partner had the day’s special which was Torbay Dover Sole meunière- with capers and parsley - £22. The fish had been caught that day and purchased from Billingsgate Market in east London. The fish was huge, in fact it would probably be enough as a sharing dish between two. I think it was cooked just right with not too many distractions from the pure taste of the sole.
Despite being full, we couldn’t leave without a pudding.
The two of us shared jam doughnut holes, custard, £5, and the pub’s most popular dessert sticky toffee fondant, cornflake milk sorbet, also £5.
I thought the mini doughnuts were quite an original addition to the menu as I don’t think I’ve seen this as a pudding before, and definitely great if you have a big sweet tooth.
The sticky toffee was rich but balanced out with the sorbet made a delicious treat, a perfect end to a winter’s evening.
Ealing Park Tavern is part of the ETM Group, one of London’s most renowned pub and restaurant groups owning ten venues across central London including smart City gastro pubs, contemporary brasserie/bars and small neighbourhood pubs such as One Canada Square in Canary Wharf, The Botanist in Sloane Square and The Cadogan Arms in Kings Road.
