This cleverly unfussy selection of familiar mains, desserts and snacks is also an apt introduction to the restaurant’s feted take on modern British gastronomy
Even as fans of his winning interpretation of modern British cuisine await the re-opening of Jaan By Kirk Westaway (slated for this August), a taste of the Devon-native chef’s inspired culinary ventures can still be had.
Making its debut only yesterday (July 13) at modern cocktail bar, Anti:dote, the inaugural two-month seasonal pop-up—dubbed simply A Casual British Summer by Kirk Westaway—is essentially a more relaxed celebration of reimagined British classics, specifically dishes and flavours locals like Westaway grew up with.
“I enjoyed putting this menu together as the concept is casual,” he tells Tatler Dining, noting how the menu is based on the everyday pickings folks in the UK enjoy at gourmet pubs and at home.
“It’s about delicious comfort food—with a massive focus on the finest quality ingredients; all organic and, if possible, items from around the UK,” he adds. Westaway also affirms the aim of such an initiative, which comes down to providing “a more frequent and accessible platform for diners to try modern British dining, without the associated pressures of traditional fine dining. “I have had fond memories of summer back home in Devon, and this menu encapsulates just that—a warm and welcoming spirit, bringing a playful and elevated approach to more traditional casual fare,” he expounds.
While some rye sourdough with Devonshire butter (from his hometown, to boot) is a good start, highlight appetisers include his take on the Scotch egg, a classic pub favourite elevated with the use of organic Irish pork to encase a soft-cooked egg.
Unlike the playfully delicious snack of the same name one might have enjoyed as part of a meal at Jaan, the fish and chips on this pop-up menu is a main course serving of succulent, fresh prime cod fillet, enveloped in a London Pride Ale batter and served with chips made from Maris Piper potatoes, a widely grown potato from Britain known for its creamy white flesh.
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