Perkin Reveller Review
Perkin Reveller
Reviewed by Nicola Richardson
The story behind the name holds great detail. Using the coat of arms of the great poet Geoffrey Chaucer they also used the name of an apprentice chef called Perkin Reveller a character from Geoffery’s Canterbury Tales. Geoffrey back in the late 1300’s also oversaw the building of tower wharf at the tower of London.
This great restaurant set right at the footings of Tower Bridge has remarkable views of the wharf and its surroundings. Entering the building my friend and I were a little confused as to the décor and exactly what its meaning was, as deep rich oak tables, chairs and walls gave it a very Scandinavian feel then taken to the bar area which brought on a very Christmas feel with rich deep colours, candles and cushion soft country pub seating which made us feel warm and very comforted. We were both over whelmed by the drinks and bar menu which was elected with an array of new and extravagant cocktails but where handsomely rescued by the very quirky and informative barman. For pre-dinner cocktails I had the dinner jacket. Gin based Martini with Absinthe and cherry infused sweet Vermouth. We learnt that the restaurant has its own distillery and they produce some amazing blends of their own spirits and had quaint capped bottles with hand written tags which again gave it that homely Christmassy feel. Comparative to Soho the cocktails were reasonably priced and the enthusiasm and hospitality of the barman made it all that much more exciting.
After enjoying our cocktails and pork scratchings (fresh and very tasty) we were taken in for our dinners. Again the conversation was flowing on the remarkable history and how for the first time in 700 years Joanne the manager has been given a heavy stock key to the gate as the wharf is shut off to the public after 9pm. Starters were fantastic the chicken and pork tureen was fresh and flavoursome with mini pickles set between the layers of meat which gave it a tasty crunch and a celeriac slaw topped with roasted pigs ear (I know, ear!) made a superb tasty side. Oysters being my favourite were hard to go a miss and I was amazed by the freshness and quality for such a low price. All ingredients are brought in fresh for the day of which the taste said it all.
They had a great range of wines which again we asked the delightful barman for his opinion and he selected a perfect wine for both pallets. Collette favours a good Pinot, myself a Chablis and we were recommended the Pinot Gris Domaine Bruno a fantastic white a high end bottle but was worth every mouthful delicious deep rich flavour I could have had another bottle or two.
The main course, presentation was flawless and taste was exceptional but for me the hanger beef wasn’t what I expected. What looked like a mouth-watering array of beef was very tough and hard to enjoy, I only wished for a different cut to my choice. No fault on the accompaniments, beautifully dressed watercress salad and large baked mushroom with a side of roasted mixed vegetables with fete cheese kept me going. Collettes Pork chop was amazing with sweet Bramley apple sauce and perfectly fluffy mash potato I was quite jealous.
No exception for the desserts homemade style Bakewell Tart with sweet poached plums and for me the Stilton cheese board. Now I love my cheese but I now love it even more at Perkin Reveller accompanied by the flat breads made with fruit and nuts, rosemary and thyme together with homemade tomato chutney was divine.
Portion sizes were amazing and pricing was unbelievable for the size and standard of each dish. Great place to sit and chill with a glass of wine or a late night coffee or tea overlooking our remarkable historic tower wharf. Very relaxed and chilled vibe an overall outstanding eating experience I will most definitely be going back.
For more information or to book a table visit www.perkinreveller.co.uk