Most know London’s ‘The Mall’ as the location of
Buckingham Palace, where The Queen lives. Fewer know that, at the eastern end
of the red thoroughfare, there is now another queen in residence.
The wife of Fergus Henderson, the king of
nose-to-tail, the queen in question is Margot Henderson. Who, along with her business
partner, Melanie Arnold, has opened the second outpost of their
little known but critically acclaimed (here) Rochelle Canteen.
I’ve been a long-time admirer of their converted
bike shed in playground of the former Rochelle School on Arnold Circus, so when
I heard about Rochelle ICA (Institute of
Contemporary Arts - here), I was naturally keen to visit.
The thrifty nature of eating oft under-appreciated animal parts and the utilitarian décor, which are calling cards of
Arnold & Henderson (and St. John), sit well in the stripped back environment
of the art gallery. The menu is concise, seasonal and full of simple dishes
that you know are going to be full of flavour and quality. As expected, all the
food was delicious. The grilled quail with chicory and lemon especially so.
Radishes & Smoked
Cod’s Roe
Rillettes &
Pickled Cucumber
Grilled Quail &
Chicory
Ox Heart, Braised
Cabbage & Horseradish
Welsh Rarebit
For dessert, there was an Apple Crumble & Custard for 2 – looking back now, I regret not having
it… but at the time the Welsh Rarebit had already finished me off!
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