British food often gets a bad reputation. Honestly, if you’re still carrying that notion around in your brain GET WITH THE TIMES! And while you do that, visit Jones Wood Foundry for a complete paradigm shift.
I love British food. It’s classic comfort food; it’s traditional and cozy. Typically the food is creamy, filling, and homemade. I had the good fortune of finding out about Jones Wood Foundry a few weeks ago and simply cannot move past the awesome experience that I shared with my good friend, Katie.
Our meal was so delicious and I loved the ambiance so much that I really contemplated hiding under our table and living there. Forever. Popping up every so often to steal bites off of people’s plates. I’d be a lot like the Phantom of the Opera — just as scraggly and half as talented.
The Vibes.
The young folk can keep their loud and raucous night clubs. I feel most at home drinking a pint in a British pub. When there is a bit of rain in the air, a fire roaring, and a few old men in sweaters grumbling around me, all is right with the world. Few places are as warm and inviting as the pub.
Jones Wood Foundry captures the intimate ambiance of the typical British pub with its dim lighting, quiet air, and rustic, dark wood tables and chairs. The walls are made of exposed brick and the further back you go into the place, the further back in time you feel that you have traveled.
However, there are plenty of decorative elements which give the restaurant an elevated aesthetic, the type of look that is inherent in British design. If you’re ever visited London, the pubs are not sticky and kitschy. Even the most simple pubs in London are cultivated and pleasant.
There are other reminders of the United Kingdom around the place as well. Small things that, on their own are hardly noticeable to non Anglo-files, but together as an aesthetic palate, form an obvious feeling of British taste. A cross hatched window here, a gorgeous high backed chair there.
More details
There are muted colored books on the ledges and paraphernalia that hearkens back to an older time period in the UK’s history. I saw three young women enjoying a dinner and pint entirely by themselves. Jones Wood Foundry is a hidden, cozy, space to do just that.
The owners have taken great lengths to create an environment where guests feel as though they are in a place which belongs to them — a home-like feeling, if you will. The building was constructed in the late 19th century and perhaps is part of the reason why it feels so rustic and so historical.
The Food.
For a cocktail, I chose the Earl Grey ’75, which frankly, couldn’t be more English. It consists of Chapel Down London Brut, Lemon and Earl Grey syrup.
One can never go wrong with “toasts” as an appetizer. We chose the Welsh rarebit fondue considering that I never got to try Welsh rarebit on my trip to Wales. American cheese dips tend to feel especially heavy and artificial. This was obviously much more artisanal, still creamy, but with a bit more a dry taste — much like an authentic Swiss fondue, but using instead, of course, British ingredients such as Guinness beer and Farmhouse Cheddar.
Katie sampled the chicken liver and foie gras with grape chutney, I was not nearly as adventurous. It’s worth noting that British cheese is some of the best in the world, and doesn’t get enough credit. Jones Wood Foundry’s British cheese board consists of farm house cheddar, goat cheese, and STILTON! Also made with Stilton and also on the “toast” section of the menu is the British grilled cheese which is made with bechamel…swoon. Traditionalists will also appreciate that scotch eggs make an appearance under the small plates section.
Main dish
Choosing what to order for the main dish can be positively formidable. Does one go with the bangers and mash served with onion gravy? The roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Lamb shank vindaloo? Roasted chicken? Who am I to say, honestly? I went with the fish and chips which were, no surprises here, perfectly cooked. The fish was flavorful and piping hot, and the fries were cut supremely thick and flaked apart on the tongue. As tempted as I was to order the bubble & squeak as a side, I went with my beloved mushy, minty, peas and it was a great choice. It was nice to refresh my palate with something earthy and light in between bites of hearty, savory, goodness.
If you’ve visited the UK, you’ll know that the British make exceptional sweet pies, but also, savory ones. Take your pick from three different ones here. We chose to split the chicken and leek. The homemade crust was EVERYTHING. Devouring the warm, flaky crust was the exact moment I fell in love with Jones Wood Foundry. I mean, seriously, it literally just tasted like BUTTER. HEAVEN!
Dessert
Dessert goes in a different compartment, so don’t feel any shame in ordering that despite being stuffed to the gills after your entree. Choose from a classic banoffee pie, sticky toffee pudding, apple and cranberry crumble or the innovative milk chocolate and sea salt tart.
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