The Fentimans Apothecary for London Cocktail Week Review
The Fentimans Apothecary for London Cocktail Week
Wright Brothers, London
3-9 October 2016
Reviewed by Emma Rogers
I have lived in London all my life, but until I went to Wright Brothers in Spitalfields, I had no idea the iconic market was so close to Liverpool Street and yet so different to the City. I was asked to go and review an event, The Fentimans Apothecary for London Cocktail Week.
Sitting in the heart of Spitalfields, Wright Brothers is one of 4 restaurants in a small chain in London, catering mainly for seafood. Now, I don’t normally like seafood, but seeing as I had no idea what I was doing there, the deliciousness gene took over and I was won over. The Wright Brothers started the chain of restaurants after selling oysters from the back of the van to the main restaurants in London, and decided to have a go at serving oyster for themselves. We were sat outside, in the Fentimens Botanical Garden, a theme for Cocktail Week, where the outside seating area is decorated in plant life resembling how Fentimens the brewers concoct their beverages. We had the London cocktails, made from gin and marmalade with a dash of lemon – fabulous.
We started with the cherry smoked oysters, which are sourced from Ireland and smoked on the premises. Along with homemade biscuits, smoked cheese and pickle, the dish is consumed in one mouthful – and oh what a mouthful! I don’t order oysters and very rarely do they taste of anything but these ones were succulent, and the smoked cherry wood really comes through. Next was the haddock fishcakes, also made on site and with that slight smokey taste again but a lighter-than-light texture. Nothing deep-fried about these, they were a fantastic starter to the meal.
Our mains were the fish of the day – mackerel; and then good old fish and chips with mushy peas. The mackerel skin was grilled lightly so it flaked away leaving the fresh flesh underneath. Again, the taste was light and delicate, no bones to gnaw through either so it was perfect with the aoile dressing. We asked to try the fish and chips specially – thrice cooked chips along with the mushy peas would have been a meal on its own, but with the fish this was ENORMOUS! Perfect fish again with a light batter, this would be great as a lunchtime meal with colleagues or friends at the weekend, and far better than take away on a Friday night.
Pudding – imagine it, homemade gooseberry crumble with custard and pear and almond tart in a flaky pastry with ice cream. I couldn’t have been more in heaven. Both dishes were packed with fruit, tender and easy to eat and just like the fish were generous portions.
A great restaurant and atmosphere, and perfect for date night or going out with friends.
For part of the London Cocktail Week (3-9 October) the Market Terrace has been transformed into into a vintage Apothecary complete with botanicals and curiosities. A unique list of 6 cocktails crafted with Fentimans Botanically Brewed Beverages will be available for £7. If you’re feeling creative we will be hosting a unique Twisted Gin & Tonic masterclass on the 5th October. Enjoy 3 different Gin & Tonics (including one created by each guest) and oysters whilst learning all you need to know from the experts. Tickets are £20 per person – to book please email info@thewrightbrothers.co.uk.
For more information visit www.thewrightbrothers.co.uk/spitalfields.html
Wright Brothers, 8a Lamb Street, Old Spitalfields Market, London, E1 6EA | 020 7324 7730