A
few weekends ago now we were back in Essex. My cousin had been over from
Australia and was soon going back – and my Nan wanted to get us all together
for a big family meal. Difficult with Ash working weekends, Rob living in
London and us being up here... but we managed to settle on a date. The three of
us met the other four at the restaurant – The Anchor – not too far from where
my Nan lives.
I’d
never been there before, but it’s right on the river, making it a lovely
location – especially in the summer. Driving down, I remembered afternoons from
my childhood at the riverside, playing in the park and in the fields, where we’d
even sometimes have a picnic. Being a Sunday, it was busy, especially with
larger families eating together, so booking is recommended – particularly if
there are a large number of you!
Obviously
there was a Sunday menu, consisting of four roast options: rump of beef, pork
belly, half a chicken and something for vegetarians. But thankfully the usual a
la carte menu was running – and that’s what Ash and I chose from. I cook a
roast dinner for us every Sunday, so we fancied a change. And luckily, the menu
was extensive with classics, grills, salads and more. My Nan, Luke, mum and Rob
all ordered roast dinners though and they did look very nice... I’m sure it was
a full house of beef, too.
I
chose the house burger (beef patty with cheese, bacon, salad and pickles, a
mustard mayo and red onion marmalade), with fries. Quick side note: I’ve been
out and ordered burgers the last three weekends and every time I have felt ill
afterwards. Not sure if it’s all the fat or carbs or what? Anyway, I really
enjoyed the burger at the time, the patty was large and cooked well – it must
have been good, as I ate it all!
Ash
ordered the fish pie from the ‘home comforts’ section of the menu. It looked a
decent size with a side of vegetables. I don’t think I even asked him how it
was; I was too busy stuffing my face... whoops!
We
all went in for desserts or coffee (or both in Rob’s case) and as Luke had been
working at The Anchor and had tested some of the dishes, he had plenty of
recommendations. Everyone knows by now I have a sweet tooth and everything on
the menu really stood out – it was a difficult decision. Banoffee sundae? White
chocolate cheesecake? Double chocolate brownie? In the end, I opted for the
passion fruit & lemon curd meringue mess. Tangy, sweet and creamy – this take
on the classic Eton mess was absolutely heavenly and not too rich. Meringue is
notoriously light, but the cream was too. I devoured the bowl within seconds!
After
the coffees, a further natter and another round of pass the parcel
Alfie, it was time to go – after all, we had a long way back to MK. I would
most definitely return to The Anchor when visiting my Nan. The food and service
were good and the atmosphere was convivial.
Love,
Lucy xx
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Love, Lucy xx