The Marquis

The Marquis
£27
Everytime we go past this pub we have an argument about how to say the name. It is one of those tomato tomayto things where one of us says it like a member of the British aristocracy and the other says it like a big tent used for weddings and circuses. Anyway we had to put this squabble behind us and sailed in for an early Saturday evening pub dinner. MP was not optimistic and the menu isn’t particularly long but I saw lots of things I fancied. I went for the (large) veggie platter. It was one of those things where it might have said ‘serves 4’ but fortunately didn’t so I had a guilt free treat. Just lots of yummy things – humus, chips, veggie pancakes, onion bhajis, artichoke, grilled halloumi and (toasted) pitta. Really pleased about the toasted pitta because it tastes so much better warm and garlicky. MP did frequent raids on the chips and cheese and is definitely up for a meaty platter next time. The pub was busy so we were lucky to get a table (a few yapping sloanies next to us but everyone was very friendly and the service was good). MP ordered the wrong beer and had platter-envy but we both had a nice time. HP


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So we went off the Marquis (pronounced Mar-kee) despite what HP says. It was rather cold and threatening rain so relatively happy that it was close by. (is anything not close by in Pimlico?) We went in and got the last table. The place was heaving and had a really fun atmosphere. They have some pretty funky wall paper on two of the walls. OK, on to food and drink. I ordered 1664. Acceptable beer but I find it a bit too hoppy and sweet. Only after I ordered and it arrived that I learned they had Staropramen which is a much fuller, richer beer befitting a cold evening. I ordered a plate of chilli con carne and rice. I saw the platters, but went chilli instead. It was served up quick, hot and tasty. The chilli tasted like it was made on the site as opposed to a canned product. You can tell by the kidney beans. They are firm and not all mushy and watery. In fact it did not take me too long to get through it all and then move on to HP’s platter. Frequently we (read MP) get competitive when ordering. I will say something like “I won” after we have ordered as I subjectively compare what we have ordered. In this case I lost. The platter was really good. I liked the thin and crispy fries and the grilled halloumi was a treat. I am going back and this time I am ordering a platter. Then HP and MP will be 1-1 in the competitive ordering stakes at the Mar-kee. MP