rake - The Compton Arms
Saturday March 3rd
The Compton arms, oh where to begin? probably context if we’re being technical. In their own words, The Compton Arms has a ‘history of strong and varied residencies’, and from what we’ve seen and heard through the grapevine, that they do. Currently Rake resides here, and I for one hope and pray and pray some more they remain as such for the foreseeable.
The pub itself is our preferred classic combo of cosy with an edge. It’s always rammed, and so it’s even more of a delight to be directed through to the exclusive-feeling ‘snug’ - just 4 tables, each determinable as a good one. We even had the same server as our last visit, which I will say, speaking for both of us, did impart a slight sense of superiority in this being our ‘regular spot’ - please read in an obnoxious, old money voice.
Kicking off we had the house bloomer +whipped butter, these were BIG old slabs, and that’s coming from a chip-butty-single-northern-dad-raised girl, and I’d be lying if I were to say it didn’t seem unnecessarily so at first, however, as was the case last time, sure enough as the wine flows and saucy dishes come, that bread is demolished. Next was the crisp pressed lamb, anchovy + herbs. FUCK ME, simply. Now these fellas look unassuming, but oh my they were incredible. I can’t quite describe what it was that made them so good, and no photo can show it either, but just the perfect salty, braised, fried way to get things going. Following this, the Cornish mackrel, creme fraiche + horseradish. Honestly machrel isn’t really my jam, but I did enjoy it, especially with the old bloomer. Matt on the other hand loves the stuff, so he was chuffed. Then, my friends (right??) , was the miracle on a plate- for two reasons. Not only is this because the Compton hot dog a thing of wonder and beauty, but also because, had we gone on another, non- match day, having it once again, after continuously thinking about it since, wouldn’t have been possible. Basically, it’s not on the current menu, but the bar serves it on match days, which I spotted stated on the way in. Never has something been so worth checking about. It is just something else, I almost don’t want to try to sum it up, so I wont. Go, try it, and together we can keep it on the menu. Finishing up the savoury, we had the Whole baked lemon sole + tartar, along side the chips and curry mayo. What a way to go out. Chips, perfect, mayo, beautifully familiar yet new. The fish was cooked beautifully- though, completely on us, the bones were a struggle- and the sauce, wow. A buttery, complex delight. We were literally eating it with spoons.
Topping it all off, we had a dark choc tart. Im currently on my journey to truly enjoying dark chocolate, but this was indeed lovely. Once again, we left in awe of the chefs here, stumbling merrily home. We couldn’t recommend more.
