Mel loses a bet but still wins at Oddest...

Let me start this review with confessing that I've never been much of a Sunday roast fan. Why you all shout with dismay? Well because I have always preferred a curry on a Sunday, or maybe some junk food to see me through the last hours of my hung-over day. Seems to make me feel better....or worse....I don’t know.

So when I was invited to try the roasts at Oddest I was hesitant to say the least. However, I had been told by 6 different friends that they really were worth trying and drunkenly agreed to a bet of £30 that I’d come back singing Oddest’s praises more than Harry Secombe on a Sunday evening.

Well.... I can safely say I'm now converted (and £30 lighter) – but totally worth it because it’s Monday and I feel great! No sluggish Mel, no McHangover and I’ll be back next week for another!

Three of us went as a family and I was keen to see how somewhere cool like Oddest would cope with a 1 year old toddler who likes to throw food.

Surprisingly, both Oddest and said child coped marvellously helping us settle in with drinks, high chair and minimum fuss from the extremely nice and friendly staff. Something which sounds so simple, yet often is a nightmare with neighbouring tables glaring at us for even imagining that bringing a lively child to a restaurant is a good idea.

ANYWAY, back to the food.

We ordered swiftly from the nice sized menu which consisted of four different meats, a veggie option, a hot meat sandwich and kids half size portion; each coming with the most delicious sounding sides you've ever heard.

As they arrived I was amazed by the sheer amount you receive. A proper sized meal and just the ticket to solve my two day hangover.

Slow cooked pork was extremely tender and had been cooked with plenty of love (and cider), 12 hour braised brisket was equally flavoursome and had plenty of depth from the ale. But the clear winner was the lamb shoulder – sheer meaty heaven; succulent, moreish - all the words you'd imagine.

Each meal was served in a deep tray with an assortment of accoutrements swimming in enough gravy to remind you each time how good it was to come here.

Let’s talk about these sides, and you tell me when you've heard enough to decide you’re going there this coming Sunday.

Butter roast potatoes...wild honey roast carrots....seasonal greens (creamed leeks)....cider braised red cabbage.....cauliflower goat’s cheese.....Yorkshire pudding. It was butter roasted, wasn't it?

The only thing I’d do to improve it would be to offer some type of condiment (mint sauce, apple sauce, horseradish perhaps) and a wine suggestion to go with each of the meats. However these are minor details and I am genuinely surprised how much I loved it.

We finished the meal off with an Oreo Cheesecake - entirely indulgent and full of guilt. With this level of extravagance it needs to be worth it, and I can safely say yes. Yes it was, because it lasted less than 5 minutes on the table.

Whether you’re a fan or like me, a bit sceptical about the Sunday Roast hype, go try it. It is marvellous.

I LOVE SUNDAYS AT ODDEST.

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Posted: Monday 9th November 2015
ID: 9355 - 1286