Joseph Pearce

At the end of another hectic week of fun and frolics, what could be better that a spot of Scandinavian style pub grub? Accordingly, we popped along to Joseph Pearce, part of the little chain of pubs that includes Boda, Victoria, and Sofi’s.

The place is often packed to the gunwales in the evening, but at lunchtime it was merely busy, today. I was joined by regular quest contributor Jane, who works nearby so has been known to take the occasional post-work drink on the premises.

From their comic annual menus, we both chose the soup of the day, which turned out to be tomato and thyme. Jane opted to combo a couple of starter dishes, to follow, with portions of the meatballs and hasselback potatoes ordered. I went for the seafood fricassee, which promised mussels, smoked fish, salmon and potatoes in a creamy sauce.

It took a wee while for the soup to arrive, and when it did, it was volcanically hot. I did some dunking with the nice tomato bread, in attempt to cool the inferno. Once it was at a mouth-friendly temperature, we both dived in. It was quite good, but not the most spectacular bowl I’ve tasted of late (that honour goes a brilliant roasted red pepper soup I had in Crolla’s, the other day). Jane also commented that it was too thin and not thymey enough.

Main courses arrived entirely more promptly. Jane’s portion of potatoes was very generous and there were a good number of meatballs, too. My seafood stew looked like good eating, so I got straight to it. The little side dish of croutons were crunchiness incarnate. When dropped in the creamy broth, they softened nicely, but retained a satisfying crunch. All of the seafood elements were beautifully cooked. The dish was really satisfying.

Jane has a few issues, as while the food itself was good, her two dishes didn’t quite make up in to one rounded experience quite in the way she’d hoped. She slightly regretted not ordering the risotto, in the final reckoning, but that’s just another reason for a repeat visit.

So overall, Pearce’s does a really nice line in upscale pub grub, with their menu covering your needs from snacking to full meals with equal elegance. It’s quirky, airy surroundings, full of arty character make it a really nice venue to sit and have a relaxing meal. We’ll be back, no doubt, and would recommend you consider paying it a visit, too.

Scores

Blythe scores Joseph Pearce:
3.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 14.5/20

Jane scores Joseph Pearce:
3/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 13.5/20

Today’s questers were: Jane, Blythe

We ate: tomato and thyme soup (2), hasselback potatoes, meatballs, seafood fricassee

We drank: sparkly water

We wore: smart black trousers, smart black tie

Total bill: c.£28