The Store, Croydon by Paloma Lacy

Isn’t this nice? Why don’t we do this more often? said my companion as we sat tucking into a Sunday roast last weekend.

I agreed that the food was indeed good and a fair few notches above the usual standard offered up. But this wasn’t actually what he meant.

No cooking, no washing up and using someone else’s electricity to enjoy which many are saying is one of the most expensive meals to cook.

So, the message is clear, let someone else take the strain and pump some much-needed money into the local economy.

For us, that area is Croydon.

The Store in South Croydon is leading the way in keeping people fed and watered through the week, but its Sunday menu is something a little bit special.

The menu is small, always a good sign that the kitchen isn’t spreading itself too thinly, and prides itself on high-quality output.

We began with an aperitif, Pecan Espresso Martini, which felt such a decadent thing to be doing.

Terribly moreish would be the best description. I’d finished it all too quickly, and while I wanted another, felt it wouldn’t fit the family lunch we were having.

We availed ourselves of some of the starter specials because we couldn’t resist.

Salt cod fritters, with aioli and capers, with a Caribbean influencer but denser in texture.

This was a hit with the little one.

Scallops, peas, pancetta and truffle foam was next level stuff and I should guess isn’t a dish that Croydon has seen since some of the well-known fine dining joints disappeared some years ago.

The chefs know what they’re doing and The Store is lucky to have them. The standout dish for me was Prawns, with garlic and chilli, toasted sourdough and pea shoots.

A better example of this dish you would find it difficult to find. Tender, sweet meat, served in a cast iron dish, sizzling in oil we mopped up with home-made focaccia.

And now for the main event – knockout roasts that feed the eyes before the stomach.

We sat opposite the pass, and every time a plate was laid upon it, stacked high with meat, veg and a Yorkshire pudding the size of your head precariously balanced on top, I was crossing my fingers.

Our turn came and much to my delight every dish arrived piping hot.

Mine was a nut roast, which made a great change from meat, finely balanced flavours, a delicate texture and gravy fit for a meat eater.

It was vegan, with the nice touch of tiny mushrooms floating on the surface, perhaps to act as a reminder of a meat-free plate.

Roast beef on my companion’s plate was thickly sliced and served medium.

The pork belly was spot on, juicy, tender meat, with crackling as it should be.

All roasts come with roast potatoes and a huge amount of vegetables, including maple infused carrots.

Roasts start at £15.50 for the nut, rising through to £17.50 and £19 for beef.

Pudding was Crème Brulee and Sticky Toffee Pudding split between three of us. Both made for happy faces.

I was particularly fond of the rich toffee sauce.

The Store, 73 South End, Croydon CR0 1BF.

 

Pictures: Paloma Lacy