Grosvenor Fish Bar -The Teege Critiques

So one sunny afternoon I had the delight of stopping by an old place that's had family owners in the last 30 years, and has always been one of, if not THE, most popular fish and chip shop in Norwich. Taking a traditional view on the way it's served, maintaining the feeling of quick service and an upbeat pace, this place never slows, and you will tend to find the queue lagging somewhere out of the door and around the corner.

Their new and expansive menu has brought questions to your critique's lips though... shark and miso on chips? Now I am a true fan of the finer culinary delights, but placing them in what's marketed as a traditional fish and chip bar is something new altogether.

The variety of choice for fish and sausage, however, has grown vastly since the days of a sausage and chips and a piece of unknown godforsaken fish. With the loss of Hot Chip, the hipster version of fish and chips, this left the Norwich market with Grosvenor Fish Bar as the only contender.

Upon entrance, the newly decorated walls of wood and pop art bring an air of vibrancy to the old chippy. The upbeat Americana music to accompany was an interesting touch... I didn't realise that in the USA they served a traditional English dish...!

The queue had six people in, with varying orders, which were handled swiftly. Upon my order the lady greeted me with somewhat of a fake interest into my presence, which seemed to bother her day...? "Sorry for wanting to purchase your chips," was my first reaction!

Order placed, we were offered our meal to eat in or take away... eating in being the preference this time, we were subsequently told to go downstairs and wait for our order. Sorry, wait, what...? Back up two seconds. You should never tell a customer to do something. That's Hospitality 101! You may advise that there is seating downstairs... anyway. We sat upstairs to watch how the rest of service was handled. Pretty much the same treatment, but overhearing the lady who served us discussing with her colleagues that "we never get to know our regulars" was interesting.

Upon the food arriving, we were excited. Two lots of sausage (no batter), and chips with gravy, cheese and curry sauce. The main ingredients, as far as I'm concerned, are the options available at any good chippy. The chips were as phenomenal as ever - crispy, yet light and fluffy. No excess oil, if only a tad too salty. The sausage was mediocre... I was expecting better. There was far too much salt. The sausage itself didn't have much flavour, beyond some piece of pork... I could tell that much! They could do with a partnership with Pickering's of Norwich, it would add a great twist.

So service and salt aside, The Teege gives this a 3.5/5 Stars. Less salt, more passion, and genuine personality from your staff will bring a whole new level of service to a revitalised old favourite.

I've an almighty fondness for the fishy fineries served at Grosvenor's, together with the friendly atmosphere and jazzy music. The vibrance of the establishment is a credit to Norwich, as is the hard work and commitment of its staff. The Bunker, the labyrinthine underground seating of the place, is a wonderful area in which to commune and unwind, and you can cheerfully take your fish and chips over the street to The Birdcage and eat them there. It's a fantastic part of the community, and if you've never tried it, I have just three words for you - Cha Cha Chips. Try them, and thank me later. It's 4/5 Stars from me!

Dray Yard Smokehouse - The Teege Critiques!

Every time I pass this new eatery in the Fine City, I always see the establishment packed -- the smells, the sounds, it's enticed me. You shall be judged. It's time... for another "TEEGE CRITIQUES"!

Upon entry? Greeted instantly with the offer of whichever seat took our choosing. No booking comes to mind? It seems Dray Yard Smokehouse is always fully booked between 6PM and 8PM every weekday, and especially weekends. Seems we were lucky enough to arrive within a minute of two tables cancelling.

Our waiter, Shaun, meanders his way through the tables and greets us with a welcoming smile, with a genuine interest in how our days were... nosy? No, just a happy man who takes an interest! The offer of drinks is exchanged, but me and my company were locked in a furious debate over how Thrall is much better than Garrosh! And we therefore haven't even given our full attention to the menus. So focus we must. Shaun explains it's no worry, to take our time, and lets us know that the special bottles are on the board and if we need anything to let him know.

I perused the board and found a very interesting apple, whiskey and cinnamon cider -- and upon tasting, was taken aback by it, with the colours of rich golden fields glowing from the glass. My company went with a glass of rosé to support her order. "Fruity with a zesty punch", was her description. Now to the main course, which we were both looking forward to. I went with a combo plate, which was £16.50 in price -- that is not bad, considering the amount of food you get! So my company did as well.

Her unique choice of chicken and ribs was a combination of splendid, succulent and warming smoked barbecue flavours, tastes of zest dry rub and moreish chilli, together with cheesy macaroni goodness that can only be made by the hands of those with talent. Words are sometimes not enough to describe what the mouth can taste. This is when English loses itself as a simple 26 letter language, maybe we should go for Russian? Too harsh -- French, too fluid? Spanish, too temperate? Then combine them all, find the words, and deliver.

So when it came to my decision, it was simple -- what's cooked long and slow, with flavours of another world? It's obvious! Any pulled meat that's slow-roasted, smoked or stewed... so why not have all three?

Beef brisket that is slow-smoked for a minimum of 12 hours. Pulled pork slow-cooked and finally, pit beans -- a combination of both, stewed with beans. Yes... this is it. This is near enough an orgasm on a plate. Why has no-one considered this as a food?

The service was on point. After two bites into the meal, Shaun checked everything was okay, and left us to it. I think he could tell from the smile on my face that I was enjoying it. Maybe I have even found a rival to pizza. Yes, I said it, Tony™ -- a rival of pizza! I'll drag you kicking and screaming from your abode atop the hill to this house of smoky foods and open your eyes.





Why don't we just take everything you've just described and photographed and put it on a pizza, so we can have the best of both worlds?

Dessert followed after a cleared plate. Pecan pie. Yes -- none other than Staghorn's favourite (sorry to those who do not know of Oxhorn and his works)! But yes -- it was there on the menu and I went for it.

Chocolate brownie was the accomplice, and well met it was. Alas no pictures of these desserts, as I am afraid my phone's battery passed away. But to say the sights were that which any man or woman can dream about.

So to say this as my final piece, I am blown away by what is done here; there is much more to try on the menu, and I will be back hungry for more of what's offered. So bring it on, Dray Yard. Show me what you're made of. Show me the wonders of your kitchen. Let me know your secrets. I will be back.

4 / 5 Stars

Sweet merciful pogo-sticking Christ, in all my years of friendship with The Teege™, I've never seen him praise an eatery so highly! A rare accolade for what, it seems, is a rare and brilliant jewel in the Fine City's crown. Eagerly anticipating a visit of my own!