Montpelier pub, The Star and Garter is nothing less than a pillar of the community. The Bristol pub has hit the headlines for many reasons over the years but not yet for the food it serves.
The Family Firm announced in February that they would be taking up residence at the Star and Garter, serving up pub grub that's slightly different than your usual.
Bristol has a range of places to enjoy Jamaican food, from Gloucester Road favourite Caribbean Croft to family owned St Mary's Kitchen or the iconic Mama Cleo's kitchen. Vegan's with a taste for Jamaican food are even catered for by the plant based haven Fi Real - so it's an understatement to say that the Star and Garter chefs would have competition.
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The Family Firm serve up their food throughout the pubs opening hours, with seating provided in the pub's cosy, sheltered outdoor area. And, the menu is extensive.
There are classic Jamaican favourites, jerk chicken, fried chicken and curry goat as well as a vegan offering of a Jamaican vegetable curry. Each of the meat dishes come with a wealth of sides, including rice and peas and coleslaw.
There are other sides on offer too, macaroni cheese, dumplings and sweet potato fries. They also offer a signature salad, which is made up of plantain, onions, tomatoes, cucumber and their secret sauce.
Also on the menu are patties, veg and beef options - which are served with coleslaw and jerk sauce. Perfect as a starter or as a light meal with a drink.
I visited on a Tuesday evening at 8pm, quite a late dinner. The courtyard was busy - with around 70 per cent of the tables seated - some by couples and others by large group of friends who clearly saw the Star and Garter as the perfect place to spend the evening laughing and exchanging conversation.
I took a seat on a cosy bench in the corner and prepared to order. I had already looked at the menu online - something I'm notorious for doing and knew what I wanted.
We received a friendly greeting from the chef on arrival as he was stood manning his station outside, whilst overseeing food and eager diners. After skimming the laminated sheet on the table to see if there was anything I wanted to add to my order, I approached the chef who delivered some disappointing news that there was no fried chicken left.
I could only blame myself, as it was the end of the day and a table of six who came before me had all set their on the fried chicken. I was fine to opt for the jerk chicken instead, adding mac and cheese and festivals to my order along with a can of 'Ting'.
I ordered the patty as well, to enjoy as a starter; it didn't take long to come and it was a generous portion. The pastry was perfectly crispy and the beef inside was flavoursome and delicious. I shared my portion, cautious of becoming full before the main event.
My piled plate came shortly after and I was absolutely in awe. To make up for the lack of fried chicken, the chef kindly added not only the special salad but also curry goat to our plates - and I'm glad he did.
For the food that we had ordered as well as two canned drinks - we spent £36.60. Excellent value for money, considering this price includes a starter, main, additional sides and drinks for two.
The curry goat was tender and boneless and fell apart in your mouth whilst the flavours were perfect. The macaroni cheese was soft and the cheese pulled apart with each forkful- which is the marker of a well done dish!
The jerk chicken was tender and had a great crispy skin, which was full of flavour. It wasn't overly spicy, making it suitable for those who aren't good with spice; whilst the accompanying jerk sauce allows those who wish to to add some serious spice.
The coleslaw was sweet and a perfect side and the rice was a great base for the dish. But the standout player was easily the dumplings; they deserve a review of their own.
They were incredibly flavoured and the texture was absolutely spot on - beautifully soft whilst gorgeously crispy. These are easily the best fried dumplings I've had in my life - a statement that would probably cause offence to my Jamaican parents but the truth must be told.
I'm already making plans to visit in the next few weeks and I'll ensure to get down early to get my hands on the fried chicken. Everyone needs to take a visit to the Star and Garter for The Family Firm's food alone, every single thing they serve clearly has been given such careful consideration, love and skill.
