Right across from Chancery Lane tube station, the Melton Mowbray is cosy, uncomplicated, and offers up one heck of a pie.

The Venue
The area directly surrounding Chancery Lane tube isn’t full to bursting with places to go, so the frontage of the Melton Mowbray stands out, with its bold black colourscheme and lots of green foliage in planters. There are wooden tables out front, but inside you’ll find a much larger than expected classic pub, with a black and white chequered floor, an area to one side enclosed in wooden framework, and a mezzanine level. The whole place has a warm red colourscheme, with drawings of old London throughout and bits of brewing memorabilia (barrels, tankards) littered about.

The Atmosphere
The whole effect is one of a classic pub, but well presented and low key. It’s a simple pub to relax with some friends or colleagues and there’s room enough to not feel crowded, creating a nicely chilled environment. Staff are plentiful in number so you can expect service levels to remain high at all time. They’re also happy to talk you through the wine list and the menu.

The Food
And the menu is where the Melton Mowbray shines. It’s a Fuller's ale and pie pub, so while there are selections of standard pub grub on the menu (mains like burgers or fish and chips hovering under the £10 mark, or sandwiches for £6.25) the star is the pie menu, with a full ten varieties around £10, served with vegetables and potatoes, mash or chips.

Short crust pastry is used for the base and the pies are topped with puff pastry. Beautifully done chips, spot on flavourful mash, and vegetables that avoid the trap of overcooking provide able support. The pies themselves range from classic to unique – order a steak and ale pie and you’ll get tender pieces of meat, and plenty of them, in wonderfully rich gravy, or go more unusual with a chicken, thyme and apricot stuffing pie and you’ll find chicken again cooked with care – and be impressed with how well the apricot flavour suits it all.

The Drink
As a Fuller's pub there’s a selection of at least five ales available, but a nice red will complement your pie nicely – the Montepulciano D'Abbruzzo is a light drop that pairs well (175ml is £4.10, but go with the bottle and it’s only £16). Overall the wine list is well stocked for an ale pub and friendly to the wallet too.

The Last Word
It may not be hip, but the Melton Mowbray is a classic, relaxing pub that’s well worth a visit for a bit of a break from your desk and an outstanding pie.

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