BUSINESS@RATHFINNY Inspiring Business CORPORATE ENTERTAINING UNIQUE OFF-SITE FACILITIES DAY VISITS & ACCOMMODATION WINE TOURS & TASTINGS Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, Sussex, BN26 5TU 01323 874 030 rathfinnyestate.com For our corporate brochure email us at business@rathfinnyestate.com
FOOD REVIEW Pelham Arms A carnivore’s delight Photo by Joe Fuller A table at The Pelham Arms is a hot ticket at the moment. Attempting to fit in an early booking before a show proved difficult, so two of <strong>Viva</strong>’s own decided to go for a Friday afternoon lunch instead. You wouldn’t have known it from the ambiance however, the pub was bustling with citizens commencing their early May bank holiday festivities early. Sat at a nice table by a window, we are told about the ale options on tap. I go for an Abyss Brewing Tropical Thunder IPA (6.2%, £3.50 for a 2/3 pint), a concoction by landlord, Andrew, which originated from the cellars of The Pelham Arms itself. It’s smoother and more floral than many pale ales, and goes down very easily indeed. Kelly opts for the fair-traded Karma Gingerella (£3), one of the “nicest ginger beers I’ve ever had”. We take different paths on the mains. I am curious about Pelham’s own smokehouse, so go all-in on a barbeque platter (£18), while Kelly settles on a spiced bean burger (£12). I missed the line on the menu suggesting that the platter is a ‘great one to share’ and am bowled over when the feast arrives. The smokehouse has worked wonders on this carnivore’s delight: the pork belly is heavily smoked, resulting in a distinctly scrumptious, memorable flavour. It is crisply coated, almost to the point of being burnt, which complements the succulent texture of the meat. The quantity is noteworthy, coming in at approximately quadruple the size of a typical pork belly portion. The chicken leg is a subtler counterpoint to the pork belly – tasty in a quieter way – whereas the chunky Holmansbridge Farm sausages have a hearty flavour and a satisfying crumbly texture to them. The slaw is fresh and lemony, and the dish is topped by house pickles, which do a good job of soaking up the flavour of the sausages. I suggest getting some house chips (£3.50), and sharing the platter. The spiced bean burger has a small kick to it – but “not too spicy” – and is certainly big and messy, as the menu warns. Kelly explains that this is a good thing, when compared to the dry patties that vegetarians are often saddled with; the chunky guacamole, cheese and chipotle mayo on the burger – and the house chips included in the £12 price – add to the indulgent effect. Our paths converge when it comes to dessert, with neither of us able to look past the sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and Downsview Farm vanilla ice cream (£6.50). The sponge is gooey and not too dense, and the pudding swam happily in a lovely, sweet and sugary toffee sauce. Finally, I’d like to pass on my thanks to the person or algorithm behind the music. She’s a Mystery to Me by Roy Orbison was one highlight, alongside one of the best pop songs ever: Up on the Roof by The Drifters. Joe Fuller thepelhamarms.co.uk, 01273 476149 81