ROAST SERIES: Minnow

Minnow is a diamond on the Pavement. We all know how romantic and trendy this much-loved bistro is, and, like any Claphamite worth their salt, we’ve been down countless times for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So you can imagine our… what was it? Shock? Embarrassment? when we scanned the archives of our brains and realised that we were yet to visit for a Sunday roast. But thankfully we have a roast series to do so- in the name of research- off we went.

Ambience

Minnow really is the beating heart of The Pavement. Whatever the weather it’s always full, and our Sunday was no difference. We sat on their heated terrace, snug under a blanket. If and when the weather turns from bright autumnal days then inside is just as lovely. We (rightly) get wrapped up with their prime outdoor space but we reckon that the intimate interior of Minnow is where everyone will be wanting a seat this autumn. Their ‘garden room’ at the back of the restaurant seats 10 and is a nicely tucked away spot for bigger groups.

The Food

Our plates were piled high! There is no skimping on Sunday lunch portions at Minnow. We went for the roast sirloin of beef and the mushroom wellington each coming with ‘all the trimmings’. The roast beef was delicately soft and came on a big smudge of creamy parsnip puree. The vegetarian friendly option didn’t let us down either and this one was a belter. Even the vegetable gravy was impressive- flavourful and not in the least bit watery. The potatoes came with lovely hints of rosemary and garlic too, adding yet another layer of flavour into the plate. A big tick from us. We couldn’t help but get a side order of pigs in blankets. Too soon? Not for us- absolutely delicious and got us in the mood for the festive season. 

Standouts

The honey roasted carrots. We know- how good can a carrot be? These had us grunting in our seats. Try ’em and we know you’ll be doing the same.

Price
Price wise, it’s about bang on for Clapham… which we know can feel expensive. But it’s worth checking out their roast deal. The ‘Sunday Evening Roast Club’ (which starts at 4pm) is BYOB and for £30 you’ll get a roast plus dessert. On Mondays you can get a big roast beef sandwich and chips as part of their £10 lunch deal, so there are ways around it if you can’t wait till pay day.

Beef: £24, Vegetarian: £18, Pigs in Blankets: £5.50.

It’s easy to get swept up in the other bits they do at Minnow but roast is not one to overlook. Make the most of the offers they have and it’s not as pricey as you’d expect. Plus, al fresco eating on the Pavement has got to be one of the best delights of living in Clapham.

THE ROAST SERIES: We are on a journey to discover some of the very best Sunday roasts in Clapham. Each will have remarks 4 categories: Ambience, The Food, Price and Standouts to make it clear what it is we loved about each one. We will aim to order similarly in every place we try to give you the clearest indication of how it compares to the rest of the neighbourhood.  Stay tuned to find your favourite.