We have just repatriated to the UK from Hungary, so are delighted to be staying in Smithfield, as we have never been here before. We came across Hix Oyster & Chop House by chance walking along the street. My husband being an oyster lover, we thought we would look at the menu. It offered a wide range of choices for oyster and non-oyster lovers. So we decided to try it out.
When we took our seats, to my joy the waitress asked if we would like water; still, sparkling or tap! Tap, how good is that? Stop the snobbery with water I say! We ordered tap.
We know it is not the done thing, at a time when the government is telling us to watch our fat in-take, but while we were choosing our food we had a serving of pork crackling. Wow! It can’t be good for you it tastes so great!
The atmosphere was buzzing, which surprised us for a Sunday evening. It became so busy we were pleased we got in before the rush.
The waiter put an individual tiny loaf straight from the oven on the table with butter, which was both cute and delicious!
My husband had a selection of oysters for a starter, this enabled him to see which was his favourite, so next time he could order just those ones. After the bread and crackling, I felt I could forgo a starter. For main, he had the lamb cutlet with spring greens and I had the Pollock fish fingers and mushy peas with asparagus and green tomato. The lamb was tender and soft, with the spring greens with a bit of crunch, wonderful. The fish was firm with a light coating, and the ‘mushy’ baby gardens peas were wonderful.
We accompanied our meal with an Argentinean red. Smooth, full-bodied, heavenly, perfect!
We will be back to Hix Oyster & Chop House; we have found a little treasure. I am debating whether I should tell you all now; we might not get a seat so easily in the future!!!