Today we are voting whether to remain as part of the EU or Brexit and it seems appropriate to write about a British Pub that focuses on food with both a British & Mediterranean twist. My discerning foodie  friends and I visited The Bollo House, 13-15 Bollo Lane, Chiswick, London W4 5LR last week. The atmosphere was buzzy especially with the European Football Championship and England narrowly beating Wales earlier that afternoon. The decor has a relaxed feel with wooden tables but the food is well above your average pub dining.

We decided to share starters of baked Camembert, with slow roasted garlic & home made rosemary crostini, Spanish charcuterie board and chilli & garlic prawns with lemon & parsley.

 

 

 

The selection of oozing unctuous cheese,  meats & garlicky prawns was a great way to whet our appetites.

 

To follow we had a Portland crab linguini served with a lobster bisque, cherry tomatoes, chilli & herbs; pan fried Stone bass with spinach puree, new season veg & sauce vierge; Harissa chicken breast with sweet potato and onion hash with lime & tarragon creme fraiche.

All the food was expertly cooked and delicious. Although we picked some Mediterranean food there was also some British Pub classics including North Sea Haddock with chips and mushy peas, Devon Lamb rump or  Bollo House Burger with house relish and fries.

 

 

 

 

There was a great selection of wine, many by the glass.   We shared two bottles of  Picpoul de Pinet, Grange des Roc from Languedoc, France. This was a refreshing, quaffable white wine with a hint of fruit & acidity that was a perfect accompaniment to the food. We were pretty full so decided to order that great British classic: sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream and seven spoons. Warm & comforting with velvety toffee sauce, a great sweet sign off. The customer service was friendly and efficient which helped to make it a great evening.

Whether we decide to remain or leave the EU my other vote goes to  The Bollo House, relaxed pub dining well done!