The Little Blue Door
871 – 873 Fulham Road
Fulham, London, SW6 5HP
https://www.thelittlebluedoor.co.uk/

Review Notes:

• A bit of a departure from the usual Sunday pub venues that our party usually frequents.  The self-titled Blue Door requires a hearty knock and you are welcomed into a warm and cosy hallway by one of the establishments “flatmates”.  The interior is homely with a trendy eclectic mix of furniture and interesting knick-knacks, following the prominent “shabby-chic” vernacular but less shabby and more chic.  The style was reminiscent of well off graduate digs, with a homely and casual atmosphere, with lots of armchairs, sofas and comfortable surroundings.  One of party described it as having the makings of a Gentleperson’s Club.
• The ambience was relaxed and friendly, and while not very busy, had enough patrons to not feel empty.  The staff were casual, amiable and attentive, no fussy uniforms here, dovetailing well with their aforementioned mission to be “flatmates”.  We were initially seated at a coffee table with a large sofa and a few stools, whilst this was good for catching-up and chatting it didn’t suit us for eating.  We were then re-seated at the end of a shared dining table.  There was plenty of space and we didn’t feel crowded seating alongside our table partners.
• We had booked in for Sunday Lunch, and were advised to have the “home-style” chicken and beef mix, served with all the trimmings on a large silver platter to share amongst ourselves.  The platter at first glance appeared generous, with a good amount of Chicken and sides, but the Beef portion was laughably small. It consisted of the last few cut ends and was only sufficient for a mouthful each.  We asked if there was any more to be had, but they said they only prepare enough for the bookings, so I suspect there must have been a mistake somewhere along the line. Perhaps our table partners had an extra share?
• The sides were spread across the platter, while there was a lot in total each portion was slightly lacking. Ubiquitous large, however not giant, Yorkshire pudding, were good and not dry or oversized; the potatoes, small, not overly crispy but tasty; holding up the root vegetable contingent, roasted carrots and parsnips were as good as any others; the green was provided by slightly soft broccoli; and alongside all this was an interesting addition of Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.  This side was very cheesy, in a good way, but we couldn’t quite fathom either the cauliflower or mac component.  The menu suggested pigs in blankets, however they were not evident in any capacity, neither pig nor blanket.
• The whole platter was drizzled with gravy, however as always more meaty nectar was procured.  Provided in a pewter style mug, and remarked by one of the party to be half-empty, rather than half-full.  The quality was however as good as others and no better than most.
• “In Beer there is truth”, however this truth was disheartening. No draft beers/ales, and only small selection of bottled beers, with the IPA out of stock on our visit.  The was a sweet redemption however, with the spirits selection and the inclusion of the much prized Classic Laddie from the Bruichladdich distillery.
• Dessert was taken, as none of the party was filled to bursting by the main event.  The only dessert on offer was a chocolate bomb pudding with cream, whilst rich and delicious it was somewhat lacking in substance, being served in the bottom of a small teacup.
• Price £16.50 each for the Sunday Roast including the Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.

Final Thoughts

This was a departure for our group from the much fabled Sunday Pub Lunch, and therefore feel we were not the ideal target market for this establishment.  The lack of beef in the platter was a significant disappointment and cast a dark and bitter cloud over the rest of the experience.  Whilst the venue, staff and ambience were much enjoyed and appreciated, the food failed to impress our world weary palettes.  Overall it was a new and interesting take on the classic “public house”, offering a middling luncheon.