sprink

Zagat recently blogged about where to eat roast chicken in London, which got me thinking.

Out of the Zagat top five, two are favourites. Brawn, I adore, and I wholeheartedly second "fresh, simple and to the point" to sum up the food there. Likewise, the chicken is great at Rotisserie Bute Street, tucked into the French corner of London that could almost be Paris, but there is another place that Zagat didn't mention.

Early last October, when summer was winding down and we'd dug out coats in anticipation, we had a freak heatwave. Several days of 28+ temperatures and London melted, once more shouting for al fresco drinks and skimpy clothing. But four of us had already booked a table for Sunday lunch in a north London pub, with visions of open fires and hearty food.

Ha. As the sun streamed in through the windows of the Drapers Arms in Islington, we sat in shorts and ordered a roast chicken. It came whole to the table on a delicate blue and white platter, ready to be carved in situ, surrounded by roast potatoes and vegetables. A jug of gravy and extra greens upped the wintery quota and after a starter of terrines a bottle of red was opened and the hours passed. That day was a combination of comfort food and stunning weather, good company and easy laughter.

The chicken was great, perfectly roasted with crisp skin and the real flavour of a good bird - I can't recommend the Sunday roast at the Drapers Arms highly enough: you should go. The balmy weather can't be guaranteed but I reckon you'll have a really good time.

- Kodak Portra 400 - Nikon F100 -

-- Brian's brilliant shots of the same day are here --