The Old Frizzle, Wimbledon, a cracking Shepherds Pie

Out on the school night but rather than giving it large like I did 20 years ago this was a very sedate trip to the cinema in Wimbledon to see the Trainspotting sequel T2. This was Villa Steve's call as now he has moved to a different bit of Surrey Wimbledon is the first post of civilisation on his train journey. Big Matt drove from work and as I had missed the gym I cycled to East Putney and the hopped on the tube. I've not been to Wimbledon for about 10 years and it's change a lot. I always felt out of the 3 terminus stations on the District Line Wimbledon lagged a long way behind The village feel of Richmond and the fun of Ealing Broadway. There has certainly been a big effort to play up the tennis connection as nearly every shop and restaurant mentions it. it was nice to see that despite two big shopping centres the town centre pubs survive and for a cold Tuesday night it was pretty busy out. I'd arranged to meet the chaps at the The Old Frizzle which is down the Broadway close to the theatre.

Upon entering I wasn't filled with high hopes as it was a huge modern barn like pub. Though I did notice that they had a big open kitchen that was well staffed which is unusual in this sort of place. I ordered a pint of Tower from the bar and it was excellent, again unusual to get good beer in a sports pub. Looking around I could see that actually there was a good mix of people, couples, families and groups on a night out. Once Villa Steve pitched up we ordered some food. My eye was drawn to their special of Shepherds Pie. I fancied something hearty Steve went for Fish & chips. When the food arrived I was really rather pleasantly surprised. There was a good portion of veg which did need a season but the pie itself was excellent. I was expecting the usually peas, cheap lamb mice and mash. This however had proper chunks of melt in the mouth lamb, smooth mash with a properly cheesy crispy top. The filling had a proper kick of heat, it was delicious. Villa Steve enjoyed his fish & chips though he said it needed some peas. 

So we sat there really enjoying our pub meals watching a Bundersliga game on a massive screen. If only all pub food was this tasty. Dinner for 2 and 2 pints came to £36 which was really great value. I was very glad Steve ignored the more obvious dining choices to arrange we meeting here. The food and beer was top notch and the staff very friendly. It's nice to see that actually they have tried to give this place a bit of character, town centre pubs don't have to be a celebration of cheap mediocrity or a riot of Farrow & Ball. So suitably sustained we set off to the Curzon to watch T2 which if I'm honest was a touch underwhelming. It had lots of flair, tricks and music but essentially a poor follow up to the original. Journey home was easy enough on the tube straight to Notting Hill so I'm hoping for a few more cinema trips and visits to the Old Frizzle.