Fishers in the City

Part of the fun of revisiting places we’ve already reviewed is reflecting upon how the previous review was put together, what we were up to on that day and what informed our verdict. My what a lot of words there are in the review of Fishers in the City! And so many opinions and gripes.

Over the course of the years we’ve been doing this we’ve really boiled things down to just a few simple messages about a place. I remember the previous visit well, but even if I didn’t every last detail is documented!

For this revisit, the new perspective was simply a lunchtime rather than evening visit. I was joined by regular guest quester Kim, who continued her run of excellent suggested venues.

Without going into the detail, this time, this was a more enjoyable visit. The place seemed well stocked with local business lunchers rather than tourist trade, today. I’m still no great fan of the layout and decor which remains largely unchanged. I think there’s considerable potential for a comprehensive refit.

Dishes today were of similarly very good quality as before, without the silly mustard error of before.

Both of Kim’s dishes, the fish soup and Thai curry hit the spot. I was pleased with my gurnard to start and main course hake, too.

Again, where fennel was involved, as an accompaniment to the hake, it was whisperingly subtle where boldness would have played well. I still have lingering doubts about the overall balance of some of the dishes, particularly today’s gurnard dish which was a little dominated by pancetta, but it was definitely an improved experience.

So it was good to see Fishers still flourishing. I’m more likely to make it a shorter break between visits next time, based on today’s lunch.

Today’s questers were: Kim, Blythe

We ate: gurnard, clams, pancetta, kale; fish soup; hake, smoked oyster panzanella crust, fennel chowder; Thai coconut curry

Total bill: £29.20