Mark Mywords
20/09/2024
I've had a bit of a love/hate relationship with the Rob Roy. A few years ago, when the place was pumping, they used to do incredible sharing platters that were great value and really good quality. As well as jugs of all your favourite cocktails at excellent prices. Unfortunately, this all changed, and the quality started to drop off. The last time I was there, I ordered a Margarita cocktail, and it was terrible, and I haven't been back since - a bad cocktail and you've lost me!
Since then, I've noticed a really rocky time for the Rob Roy. Many, MANY menu changes, delivery ideas, identity changes - like, 'Martha's Kitchen' or something? Nothing seemed to work, and it felt like they were pulling out all the stops to stay relevant... or alive!
Today, I dropped in to try their new Asian inspired lunch menu. Well, it's a winner! The first thing you'll notice are excellent prices for what you get. No other pub in the area does as good a lunch menu as the Rob Roy.
I decided on the dumpling laksa. It's not what I've experienced in the past. This laksa may have been more traditional, I'm not sure, but it had a distinctive smell that I could smell before it came to my table. The taste was initially fishy and over seasoned, possibly too much fish sauce, and I wasn't sure I'd made the right decision. However, it was delicious and filling.
I feel I must describe the smell and taste, and it was basically the smell of an Asian grocer, that odd fermented, spicy, funky, 'museum-ey' smell. It wasn't unpleasant, just different, and after my initial shock, I enjoyed it.
Staff are friendly and attentive, with full table service a refreshing surprise. Chilled table water was promptly served, but I followed it up with a Margarita (to test) it was good!
It's definitely worth dropping in. They have all the old pub favourites, but the Asian menu is where it's at for me.
On paying the bill, I was given a coupon card for a complimentary glass of champagne, which was appreciated.
Recommended.