Jane B.
Yelp
The Morgan Arms is like a little haven in and amongst the hustle n' bustle of Bow and Mile End. Tucked away nicely just off bow road, down Coborn Road.
I decided to meet up here with my best friend for a good ole' catch up , having not seen her for a good fortnight... and I'd spent a couple of lazy Sundays at this place nursing a hangover after an epic weekend previously, I knew it would be perfect for that laid back , cosy catch up.
(The Sunday Roasts are lovely by the way - worth every penny of the £14 / £15 they charge).
SO! Anyway - back to reality - Hmmmm,... what to choose,.. decisions , decisions,..
We were both torn between the monk-fish wrapped in parma ham and the oven-baked cod (served with dauphinoise potatoes and creamed spinach).... but then opted for the Cod, on the recommendation of the cheeky waiter who told us, "I'm a Kent boy, so I have had loads of cod in my time, and I can honestly say that, THAT cod is by FAR the BEST i have ever had in my life!",
..... hmmm,... ok - pretty convincing sales pitch there! ;) .... SOLD,.. we'll both have that then!
Not disappointed!! - The fish was very fresh and succulent and the dauphinoise and spinach were delicate and flavoursome enough - but not to overpower said 'Best' Cod. Portions were good too. OK,.. good, so far a winner,...
"Ladies,... can I interest you in a tantalising dessert ??" - here comes Kent boy again,.. :) ..
Now,... on previous visits, The Morgan has starred on its menu, the most AMAZING Chocolate Fondants... literally ladies - seriously,.. i mean - picture that scene from 'When Harry Met Sally' in the Cafe/ Diner,... "oooh,..YESSS,.. YESSSSSSS" .... 'that' sort of amazing?..... hehe... Yep, you got it. ;) Made fresh to order etc....
Apparently this hit no longer features on the menu as they take too long to make or something like that,...
ok,... fair enough,... we'll have the Chocolate Tart and the Apple Crumble,...
..... 30 minutes later and an apology for having forgotten to submit the order to chef (it happens to all of us),.... dessert arrives.
Crumble,.. Yummy. My friend was happy. Chocolate Tart,.... :(
Sadly,... not so exquisite - an over enlarged slab of hard shortcrust case filled with solid chocolate ganache - served with a drizzle of fruit coulis . . . Too solid, heavy and dry to be served on its own. - Definately needed some creme anglaise / cream / ice cream,... you get my drift...
Too bad,.. it was all fantastic aside of that! -
BRING BACK THE CHOCOLATE FONDANT!! :)
That smaaaalll faux pas aside, the Morgan Arms is awesome - and that was, after maybe 5 visits the only one bad thing I could say.
I would recommend this place for after work beers with pals who live locally, or a meal with friends / family,.. even a nice relaxed evening with your other half when neither of you wants to cook.
Fab atmosphere, great banter with the staff and the prices are ok too. Not the cheapest of places, but you pay for what you get - this is true.
Check it out next time you're in the area!
Also, for dinner, I would recommend booking a table either on-line or via phone. It gets busy!!
ENJOY! :)