Long-established riverside pub in Greenwich

The Trafalgar Tavern has been running certainly since my youth (for over 30 years) having visited/pass by on many occasions whilst growing up nearby. The bar area downstairs has progressively receded back over the years to make way for more tables and is now essentially a very large gastro pub for the location and setting that it is compared to a pub. It’s probably a more future proof model to aim for as a sustainable business, but sadly I thought the food could do with an uplift on my visit having been noted as good in the past, it seems to have gone downhill a little, perhaps with the more covers it needs to serve with the same sized kitchen. Still a picturesque place to visit and a staple of Greenwich situated right next to the Old Naval College.

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Greenwich whitebait with paprika mayonnaise and seeded bread was a little dry but otherwise doable. Beef carpaccio with caper mayonnaise, parmesan and rocket was good and the lobster ravioli with a lobster and salmon mousse, with a sherry, lobster and cream sauce was actually nicely done and good value (£9) for the quantity.

What wasn’t such good value for money was the lobster thermidor with half a lobster for £28 which was tough, unrefined and with a sauce that had split. One would expect to pay this price or just over at a restaurant that prepares Thermidor well but when it is presented in this way and maintains the price tag, I have an issue with this mentality of charging just because it is lobster – it still needs to be cooked well and this was not making it a ruined experience.

The lamb was fair but nothing to write home about and the sides were probably the more reasonable aspect of the meal. Ice creams were basic and the tart dessert was not too bad but I would be very surprised if this was done from scratch and was suspiciously out of the packet and with icing sugar dusted on in a clumsy way before being served.

The visit was pleasant but unfortunately represents the category of food I least like – being charged normal – high prices for dishes that simply are not worthy. I would like the Trafalgar Tavern to up its game considerably as not everyone that goes in is a tourist to be served quickly and moved on.

Food Grade: 48%