Strongroom offers pub food with class.

The Venue
Located in an alleyway off Curtain Road, summer must surely be the best time of year to wander into the Strongroom. With umbrellas overhanging the stylishly shabby brick entranceway, the patio seems moored in London – a total escape from the hustle of the City. But the interior is equally welcoming for more wintry months– with two spacious levels, a well decorated upstairs and a less attractive but more private downstairs, the venue is big, spacious and warm.

The Atmosphere
Up until a few years ago Strongroom was a pub and live music venue, and it maintains the homey atmosphere of a favored local. Big comfortable couches adorn the space, lighting is soft and unpretentious and meals are served on long wooden tables. The servers are friendly and stylish – people you’d want to have a drink with. They approach the menu with pride and excitement – winking they’ll suggest their favorite dishes and cocktails and bring them out with the assurance of success. Hip art and photography line the walls, and a convivial staff and comfortable seating make for an ideal spot for a relaxed dinner with friends.

The Food
On order are the comfortable classics of pub food prepared with more effort and pride than usual. Strongroom burgers are homemade with 100 percent whole beef and come with a variety of toppings. There are two vegetarian options on the burger menu – a spicy bean burger and a chargrilled haloumi burger, but most interesting would have to be the homemade Thai Fish burger, served with chilli mayo. The burger itself tastes spicy and sweet, with a puree of fish that must include shellfish; it is nothing like your average fish sandwich. The crisp pickle and chilli mayo cut and compliment the flavour of the fish very successfully. All of the burgers come served with chips and a side salad in such big portions that you will likely have leftovers to wrap up at the end of the meal, and as they’re priced at £7.50, it’s certainly worth it.

If you’re in the mood for something more Mediterranean, you could always try the pizzas, freshly made using a crispy and distinctive homemade dough laced with fresh herbs and spices. The Roasted Vegetable pizza for £7.50 is peppered with sweetcorn, an unlikely but sweet ingredient that plays beautifully off the taste of red onion and a trio of roasted peppers. Pizzas are 7”, a good size for one person, and could easily make for a satisfying meal on their own.

Most of the sides are deep fried and crispy – onion rings are generously portioned and oily with a tangy tartar sauce. The chips are chunky and fresh, a nice substantial accompaniment to a meal, and the spicy potato wedges are exactly as you’d expect them to be – though maybe a little bit better - all priced at a reasonable £2.50.

Of course, the piece de resistance of the sides would have to be the nachos for £4.50. Melted cheese is well distributed and layered throughout the chips and portions of guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos and salsa are generous without being overwhelming. The salsa does resemble ketchup, but these nachos are more pub than Mexico, so the ketchup salsa ends up as comforting and appropriate.

The Drink
The ethos of a good pub is definitely kept alive behind the bar – Strongroom has an extensive and unique menu of draught beers, elite liqueurs, sodas, juices, and best of all – cocktails! The average price for a drink from the Modern Cocktails menu is £6.75, and if you’re in the mood to celebrate they are definitely worth it. The Cafe Cubana is a wonderful mix of flavors, Havana especial rum, shaken with kahlua, sugar syrup and a shot of espresso – it tastes like a great cup of dark coffee with a spicy kick. The Lemon Drop Martini is perfect for anyone nostalgic for the old days of the lemonade stand, made with fresh lemon juice, Cointreau and Ketel One Citroen vodka in a sour but nice combination. It’s probably best not to have too many of these, lest you should end up with a tangy hangover.

If you’re more of a traditionalist, there is a wide range of classic cocktails – including Cosmopolitans, Mojitos, Long Island Iced Tea, Bloody Marys and Cuba Libres. You’re in good hands with the bartenders– this restaurant that takes real care with drinks.

The Last Word
Strongroom maintains the comfortable and unpretentious atmosphere of a great bar but boasts a menu of pub food with character, skill and twist. Complimented by a stellar drinks menu, this is a great place for a party or a simple after work dinner with a friend.

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