Harbercue Smoke House @ The Mash Tun, Charing Cross, Norwich - Visit 2

After such a great visit before Christmas, I had been keen to try Harbercue on their regular menu night. When friends suggested going for dinner and drinks, I was quick to suggest a return visit (and the opportunity to visit the Gin Palace!).

To fit 11 of us in, we were placed at the large table by the bar, which was perfect for nipping to get drinks (as it is a pop-up restaurant, drinks are purchased at the bar of the Mash Tun). The atmosphere of the Mash Tun makes it worth a visit in it's own right. A rustic feel, with wooden flooring and a long bar with a great selection of craft beers (choices displayed on their very own beer board!) alongside regular bar drinks.

I ordered some Battered Pickles (£3) for the virgins amongst us to try and, as expected, the juicy slices of pickled goodness surrounded in crispy batter were a hit (see my last Harbercue post for a picture of their deliciousness!). 

At my last visit, I had made the decision that I would try the brisket, but the menu had me torn between a tray of brisket, The Beast (pulled pork, beed brisket, slaw, cheese and pickle in a brioche bun), the Double Beef and Blue (beef patty topped with brisket and blue cheese) and the special of the day, Beef Ribs. 

My love for blue cheese won and I went for the Double Beef and Blue and it did not disappoint...

Double Beef and Blue, £8.50

Melt in the mouth brisket on a juicy patty with rich and salty blue cheese. So much filling that it was falling out of the brioche bun. Check out the meat close up...

Brisket and blue cheese close up!

Although disappointed by the Double Cooked Fries last time, I decided to give them another go. This time they were a great combination - soft yet crispy with a fluffy interior.

I was really happy with my choice... UNTIL... this appeared...

Pork Ribs, £8.50

My picture does not do these beauties justice. Slow-cooked fall off the bone pork ribs topped with a smokey sweet barbecue sauce. The portion was huge and for only £8.50 you also get 2 sides (in this case my friend chose the Homemade Spicy Slaw and Double Cooked Fries).

Luckily for me, she was unable to finish them all, so I got the chance to try a bit of the tender meat. I loved the burger and would definitely have it again, but I am also a sucker for ribs!

Unfortunately with so many of us around the table, I didn't get a chance to catch up on what the others ate, but the empty plates said it all! After getting caught out last time, I remembered to tell the group that Harbercue is cash only - being a pop-up that is run separately to the bar.

With full satisfied tummies, we ventured upstairs to the Gin Palace. A beautiful room with an old-fashioned pharmacy style bar. Lots of wooden drawers surrounded by bottles of gin.

The Gin Palace Bar

I have never seen so much gin and did not realise that there were so many different types! Unfortunately, the lighting wasn't great for pictures, but I would really recommended checking out the photos on Facebook. Antique tables, ornate armchairs and frilly desk lamps add to the relaxed atmosphere - it is like stepping back in time.

Infused bottles line the bar front and it is a mission to decide!

I know nothing about gin, so asked the bar staff for some tips (not too sharp with some fruity notes). I went for a Pinkster (about £8.50 for a double including a mixer of your choice). A pink hued dry gin, infused with raspberries with a smooth taste. Gin experts amongst you may gasp, but I went for a lemonade mixture to add a bit of sweetness. Drinks are served in large glasses with complimentary garnish, raspberries and mint in my case.

Double Pinkster with lemonade, £8.50

It was delicious and I am now a gin convert. I even returned on the Saturday night for a few drinks!

Unfortunately, antique furniture can pose a few risks... We were sat at a large table with an extended middle panel. Suddenly the middle of the table collapsed, taking my second drink (Sipsmith Sloe Gin - a sweet pink gin) and a few others with it. The bar staff promptly sorted it - giving my friend some tissue to clean up his gin soaked jeans and replacing our lost drinks.

Definitely a unique place for a casual drink. Slightly on the more expensive side and more for a relaxed evening.

My review below is based on Harbercue Smoke House only. 

Food - 9/10
Service - 9/10
Atmosphere - 8/10
Value for Money - 8.5/10