Real British pub grub at The Ascot
PUBLISHED May 16th, 2013 01:31 am | UPDATED May 14th, 2018 11:56 am
Six thousand seven hundred and something miles from home and there’s nothing I miss more than a proper pub. Being a Brit, everything from the landlord, to the post-mixed coke has me nostalgic just writing this, but I’m feeling a little more comforted by the knowledge that there are now a fair few places in Singapore you’ll be able to get your nashers into some British pub grub. The problem is that few of these places actually serve dishes that can be called even vaguely traditionally British either in style or flavor.
For example, the distinction between a between a proper roast potato and a semi-crispy boiled one is often blurred and the whole genius of gravy is unappreciated. However, we’ve found somewhere that understands what pub food is about and I think you deserve to know, providing you don’t steal my Sunday spot – outside, last table on the right.. that’s permanently reserved.
I heard whispers about The Ascot and its marvels and really hoped to confirm them when I went to try their beef roast for our upcoming Sunday Roast feature. Well the roast is cracking as far as roasts in Singapore go. A great portion of beef, free flow vegetables and roasties, and even comes with a Yorkshire pudding! Not many Sunday Roasts in Singapore come with roast potatoes, so this was a real trinket of a find. The gravy isn’t gravy as such, more beef juice, but it’s absolutely delicious and really rich.
With outdoor seating which has a view of the sports pitch, this is probably about as pub-like as you’ll find. Priced at $32++, it’s a little on the pricey end, but filling and fresh. The roast beef is served at weekly rotations with the pork ribs, so keep your eyes peeled for it!
If you’re into your British grub, you’ll know most of the dishes I’m about to reel off below and why they are so loved. If you haven’t tried anything like it before then this is the place to head to. The owner of The Ascot, Sylvester, spent time living in England and wanted to recreate the true sense of a pub in Singapore and we think he’s managed it as well as possible. This place really captures the essence of a pub, with its slightly dingy interior, welcoming for old men with travelers’ tales, and a green outdoors for a bit of airy escape and a crafty cigarette. I mean that as a compliment, because that, in my eyes, is what a proper pub is.
Nothing really gets more comforting than a Cottage Pie ($22)… except maybe a cuddle. This one is soul warming and a little sloppy, with a tasty bed of minced beef.
Another good choice is A Bunch Of Bangers ($20), three sausages of choice served with wither Bubble and Squeak or Truffle Mash. Bubble and Squeak, for first timers, is refried left over cabbage and vegetables. It’s a little bit burnt and quite an acquired taste. For me, it’s one of those sides you learn to love for its uniqueness and absorbency. Gravy was designed with Bubble and Squeak in mind.
If you rate scotch eggs as much as I do, their Scotch Egg ($5) with a semi-runny yolk and beautifully crispy coating is a total winner and perfect for some Sunday snacking alongside some of their British beers ($8-$15), such as Badgers and Old Speckled Hen, or ciders ($15-$18).
Other recommendations and a hit with this locals is the Smoked Tomato Soup ($8), which is just that – smooth textured, smokey soup paired with rough and rustic bread.
Also on the menu to look out for are the Classic Beef Stew ($28) and Traditional Fish & Chips ($20).
For sweet endings, the Chocolate Lava Cake ($8) is a solid, reliable choice, but there are other English favourites to choose from such as Classic Bread and Butter Pudding ($8), Apple Crumble ($10) and of course, the much loved Deep-Fried Mars Bars in Batter ($8).
So why not give brunch a day off this Sunday and spend your afternoon tucking into some decent British pub grub at The Ascot!
Written by Superpat
