The Hatch Inn, Colemans Hatch

I was really shocked by what's on offer at theis place. Not so much by the quality of the food which I could only describe as fair, it's the pricing. Bonkers. I'm a chef so I can look at a plate and tell you pretty much what it cost to put together and The Hatch Inn stretches its mark ups to the outer limits. I don't mind paying the best part of 22 quid for a high quality steak with hand cuts chips and grilled mushrooms etc. What I got at The Hatch was a piece of ok steak with a sauce that tasted of toilet cleaner, some cheapo frozen chips and the kind of salad I would expect in my local greasy spoon. Poor and exploitative. Beer was nice though.

7 Jun 2010 20:42

Jam Circus, Brockley

I have lived in the area for a long time and people have been telling me what a great addition to the meagre social scene Jam Circus is. Well yesterday lunch time (21st July 2006) I finally managed to make a visit. What a lovely place. The vibe was relaxed and friendly as were the staff and we settled in for an enjoyable lunch.

My club sandwich was ok but the side order of slimy potato wedges should have been left off the plate. My Mum's tuna melt was huge but tasteless and heaved on to the plate without any thought for the eye.The claim that the melty bit was mozzarella seemed far fetched as it tasted more like Kraft cheese slices. If you do decide to order something off this indifferent menu, never, I repeat, never, order the sloppy joe sandwich. My missus is still suffering the flatulent after affects. I don't know who thought up this abomination of a sandwich but they shouldn't be allowed a glimpse of a spatula let alone put a menu together.

I don't know what the evening menu is like, but I pray that there is someone else at the hob. Turning out food like the cack we were served yesterday won't win returning customers to what is otherwise a very pleasant and much needed local watering hole.

22 Jul 2006 18:53