The Artisan is a friendly modern bar and restaurant offering a range of fish and steak dishes from a simple yet satisfying menu. The tastefully restored venue, serves fresh dishes on its unique black rock grill, enabling diners to cook their own meat and fish dishes to taste when they’re brought out after being sealed and well seasoned by the chef.

The Venue
Split into two sections, with a stylish dining area with soft high backed leather chairs and dark wood tables, the Artisan also has sofas for visitors to relax on. Mahogany tables and light coloured walls with mirrors set a calm scene and the exposed brickwork is a noticeable classic feature.

The Atmosphere
Quiet on certain weekday evenings, the venue comes alive at weekends when couples and families visit to enjoy excellent food. Younger visitors enjoy karaoke on Friday nights, while the Wednesday night music quiz and live music events on some Saturdays attract a mixed crowd. The Artisan has large screens for major sports events and plays an extensive range of music ranging from modern pop to ‘60s soul and swing classics. The facilities are exceptionally clean and there is a well maintained garden to enjoy when the weather permits.

The Food
Starters include a prawn cocktail (£4.95), made with fresh prawns, lightly salted with a rich seafood sauce and served with green leaves and lime. Another option is the spicy chicken tikka (£4.25), served simply on skewers. With tender meat flavoured with coriander and chilli, this dish is perfect for those with a big appetite. Vegetarian choices include a lighter creamy mozzarella, tomato and basil option (£4.25).

The Artisan does simple dishes exceptionally well and the black rock grill method, where you can cook your own food to your liking at your table thanks to a sizzling volcanic black rock, gives an unusual touch to an evening meal. Main dishes include rib-eye and sirloin steaks, lamb, pork loins, chicken fillets, and seafood dishes starting from £7.95. The succulent lamb (£11) is served off the bone and presented on the steaming black rock grill with grilled seasonal vegetables or salad, both with new potatoes with skins. A side plate is provided to allow diners to remove the steak from the grill to prevent overcooking. Sauces include spicy peppercorn, creamy mushroom and hollandaise, all available for £1.50 alongside other side orders including Mediterranean veg and mushy peas.

Ask for daily specials and recommendations from the staff here who will check periodically that you have everything you need or simply have a chat. Fresh fish sourced daily also cooks perfectly on the grill, with options including seasoned sea bass with white wine and swordfish, providing alternative options for diners wanting a lighter meal. The distinctive white halloumi cheese carries a subtle hint of mint and is served with a substantial salad of thick vine tomatoes, cucumber and crispy leaves.

The children’s menu is priced at £6.50, with sensibly sized options such as pasta in tomato and basil sauce and tender chicken goujons served before a generously scooped ice cream dessert. Adult dessert options include a simple vanilla ice cream, strawberry cheesecake with a crispy ginger base and a thick chocolate fudge pudding, all priced at £3.75.

The Drink
The Artisan boasts an impressive selection of after dinner liqueurs, coffees and traditional and fruit teas, as well as an extensive wine list, with the house red, a soft fruity merlot with a hint of berries, priced at £11. Beer options include a range of bottled and draft continental lagers and bitter and Guinness options are also served. The classic Pimms and lemonade and other fruit flavoured vodkas are available at around £2.50.

The Last Word
The Artisan may be more expensive than some of its counterparts in this area of East London but this is the ideal venue to enjoy outstanding food made with fresh ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for lazy Sundays, to watch football with a refreshing pint or simply to catch up with friends.

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