Park Tavern for a taste of South Africa

Today we’re enjoying the taste of South Africa at Park Tavern. This just happens to be one of my local pubs only a short meander from home.  I’ve frequented it a bit over the years as it’s taken on various different guises and I had noticed another transformation towards the end of 2019.

Since then it’s been closed for a big chunk of time due to lockdowns and I’ve only visited once – just for a drink – on the first day of our road out of Covid on April 12. What I didn’t realise entirely (though the word BRAAI in large letters on the side of the building is a bit of a clue) is that it now focuses on the food and drink of South Africa.

The pub pledges to serve the best of British meat and seasonal produce cooked with South African style over a wood-fired braai (that’s a barbecue in case you don’t know). And the wine list is all carefully chosen from South Africa. I love a braai and I love South African wine, too, so double reasons to go to my local then.

Another plus – there are two large outside areas, one out front and a beer garden at the back which has been totally renovated and offers lots of covered space. It’s perfect for post-covid days when we still aren’t allowed to eat or drink inside (except at home of course). And it’s going to be perfect for the barbecue summer ahead of us (I’m hoping it’s on its way).

What’s on the menu

The menu is clearly very meat-focused although there are both veggie burger and veggie braai options too. But really I think it’s heaven for carnivores who can enjoy their meat South-African style. With that in mind we tucked into the Big Braai Platter which is designed to be shared between four.

To start with a plate of biltong, droewors and rosemary bread served warm with salted thyme butter.

The biltong was packed with flavour and lovely and moist – just how I like it.

Well, that was soon polished off, beautifully light, warm bread with the tastiest of meaty accompaniments. So on to the big stuff!

Th Big Braai Platter

An enormous platter is delivered to the table containing a 700g T-bone steak and 300g flat iron steak, all sliced ready for sharing. I’m loving this new steak-sharing philosophy that seems to popping up all over the place – I recently did the same at temper in Covent Garden.

There were also four peri peri chicken wings and one of my favourite braai foods – a braaibroodjie. Literally translated as braai bread this is one of the best toasties you’ll ever have – packed with cheese, tomatoes, onions and chutney and toasted on the flames.

Chargrilled broccoli, potato salad and skin-on chips completed our feast.

Up close on the chips and toasties.

The potato is salad made with bacon, dijon and whole grain mustard, herb oil and red and spring onions. Light and tasty.

Getting saucey

Of course an important aspect of braaing lies in the sauces. And Park Tavern doesn’t hold back with its fantastic selection including my absolute favourite – monkey gland. I’ve even made it myself, you can find my recipe here. Others include mustard and herb, peri peri, blatjang (chutney) and spicy tomato relish. Something for everyone.

Well that was quite a lunch. Great steak perfectly cooked and tasty accompaniments making for a balanced platter. All washed down with fabulous South African wine.

Of course, no South African meal is complete without a plate of malva pudding. This caramely sponge is a classic in SA and this one is perfectly executed – so soft and light and served with ice cream.

After such a meaty banquet and some excellent wines I really felt like I had visited South Africa and the best of its offerings – well in spirit anyway. Thank you Park Tavern for my getaway.

Today’s price point

The Big Braai for four to share is £80 (so that’s £20 a head). It includes biltong, droewors and rosemary bread to start, followed by a 700g T-bone, 300g flat iron steak, four chicken wings, a braaibroodjie, seasonal greens and potato salad.

All the wine served is carefully chosen from South Africa, which means it’s all fabulous.

We enjoyed a Groot Constantia (one of the oldest vineyards in the Western Cape) rose for £29.50 and a bottle of Iona One Man Band, a delicious red blend for £39.

We finished off with a glass of Groot Constantia Grand Constance dessert wine. Well we just had to.  it’s one of my favourites and South Africa’s oldest wine that was written about by Dickens and drunk by Napoleon. It goes for £12 a glass.

Park Tavern is at 212 Merton Road SW18