The Three Craws in Broomhill markets itself as a gastropub. Since it has been bought over by Ember Inns, the menu seems a little too try hard and I actually preferred the more traditional and simple pub grub that it offered before the take-over.
Anyway, since my mum and I were passing and wanted to seek shelter from the blizzard that was forming we ended up in here. It is an inviting cosy place that is far bigger than it appears from outside. It has quaint pictures on the wall, comfy seats and the atmosphere is very welcoming. However, sadly, on this occasion, the food didn't quite match up to the ambiance. For a fussy vegetarian I will admit that I'm not entirely easy to please but I also hate to complain.
I ordered a glass of Chenin Blanc and a cup of tea. I was given the glass and told the tea would be over as soon as possible. While waiting, we had a look at the menu which is not particularly veggie friendly (and wasn't marked with a V either, which is a pet hate of mine!) and my mum, who's a meat eater, was equally as unimpressed with the unusual food items on offer. It lacked the home comforts and simple cooking that I associate with a local pub - there wasn't a lasagne or macaroni in sight!
We both eventually decided on the Chickpea, Broad Bean and Pea burger. I reminded the barmaid about the tea while I ordered, which, after a good fifteen minutes, hadn't arrived. Although, respect to her as she was very patient when I forgot to check the table number, and take it from an ex-barmaid, this is very annoying when it is clearly stated on the menu!
The tea came quickly after, as did our lunch but the food was also cold, to the point that the chips were hard and the burger was a little difficult to swallow. When the waitress finished apologising to another table for a few things being out of stock (which doesn't surprise me on reading the other reviews!) we asked for everything to be heated up. She said sorry and the food was heated up quickly. The chips were obviously a new batch but it seemed like the same burger. Although, in saying that, it wasn't a typical pub veggie burger. It actually seemed quite homemade. It had a good mixture of spice and seasoning but, since it had been chucked in the microwave, it had become quite chewy and, unfortunately, was a little dry. The tomato chutney on the side was fruity and savoury at the same time and, luckily, added a little bit more flavour to the meal.
We finished with a dessert. I had the Bramley apple, pear & sultana shortbread crumble with custard, while my mum opted for the honeycomb ice cream with shortbread crumble. Neither of us could fault it. The custard was thick and gloopy (which many people aren't a fan of, but I love!) and the sweet sultana combined fantastically with the sour apple and pear. While the ice cream didn't quite have a strong taste of honeycomb, it was creamy and soft and the crumble set it off nicely.
While this particular experience wasn't the best that I've had, The Three Craws is well worth a visit. We only paid £21.25 for two courses and a drink each. The place is friendly, the staff are attentive and the food is decent. Although I did overhear that the menu is changing so watch this space... read more