Last
Monday was my birthday and as I had booked the day off from work and my mum
wasn’t working, she said she would take me out for lunch. She recommended The
Two Brewers, as she’d been just before Christmas with some former work
colleagues and the food was decent. Better still, on her last visit, she
received an envelope which had to be presented prior to paying for a future
meal in January or February. Each envelope had a money off coupon – 25%, 50% or
an incredible 100% off food (drinks not included) – and just to spoil it, we
received the 25% off. The pub is just outside Chigwell, so a bit of a mission
from Brentwood, but it was certainly worth it.
The
last time my mum was there, she ate in a completely different area – where I
think they must accommodate larger parties. This time we sat around the corner
from the bar, in the ‘snug’. There was a really lovely table in a bay window,
but we decided to sit down the far side of the room, where there was a lot more
space. It was so comfortable, with a padded bench and plenty of cushions – and the
table was decorated with a candle and flowers. The decor was lovely, so homely
and just perfect for a leisurely lunch. Although we ordered drinks at the bar
on arrival, it was table service – I definitely prefer that, than having to get
up to order my food!
As
I wasn’t sure on our dinner plans that evening, I decided to choose something
reasonably light (or so I thought) and mum had recommended the crispy chilli
beef salad from a previous visit. And it was incredible! I love shredded beef
from the Chinese and this was much the same: strips of beef in a crispy
coating, on a bed of carrot ribbons, julienned peppers, red onion and pea
shoots. Topped with toasted cashew nuts and with just the right amount of sweet
chilli sauce, it wasn’t too spicy but incredibly filling. It made a change from
the usual boring, lifeless salads on offer at pubs and the ingredients were
exciting, fresh and crunchy. I particularly liked the dehydrated tomato chips scattered
on the plate. Mum had the rump steak ciabatta with tarragon mayo, chunky chips
and tomato relish. It would have been my second choice, but it’s fair to say,
there was no food envy on my part! Sometimes steak can be quite chewy, but this
wasn’t the case and even the ciabatta roll was lovely. I can’t have been that
full, as I helped mum out with the chips and we both decided we’d have dessert.
We
did have some level of control though and with birthday cake on the cards later
on, we shared a dessert. Luckily, we both had our eyes on the same one – the dark
chocolate parfait with boozy cherries and pistachio ice cream. It was really
light and the chocolate wasn’t too rich, or sickly. There’s no way I’d have
been able to manage a whole dessert to myself. But we did accompany it with a
coffee – an Americano for me and a latte for mum.
For
a casual lunch or catch-up, I couldn’t recommend The Two Brewers more. It was
fairly quiet by the time we arrived (2pm), so we didn’t need to book. But it
also meant we were able to chat away without any background noise. Sitting in
the snug ensured we weren’t rushed, although the service was good. Even though
there are similar pubs and restaurants closer to home, I think I’d return.
Love,
Lucy xx
The food looks and sounds so good, also how Insta worthy is that snug?! X
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