The Old Firehouse, on New North Road, is everyone’s favourite not-so-hidden secret famed for its late night pizzas and being the rustic inspiration behind J.K. Rowling’s Leaky Cauldron. It’s pretty unanimously agreed that Firehouse offers some of the best pizza in Exeter, but how does its Sunday roast fare? Thomas Davies, Bryony Izzard and Kate Burgess sample the meat, veggie and vegan options the roast has to offer.
Image Credit: Ben Gilbert
Thomas: I chose the beef roast instead of pork and turkey because why not? And I was really looking forward to it. I thought to myself: ‘this is the Firehouse, so this is going to be amazing.’
Maybe I let my expectations in my head get too high. I was expecting something remarkable and I feel I didn’t get that – that’ll teach me, I guess.
Despite that the meal was really nice and I left with no real complaints. The meat was nicely cooked and easy to cut, the potatoes had a nice flavour to them, and even the red cabbage which I’d never tried before was a welcome part of the meal. There was certainly enough there, yet I didn’t feel overfed either. It was like that ‘I’m going to glance at the dessert menu now’ feeling, and it was pitched just right for me.
Image Credit: Ben Gilbert
Sure, it wasn’t exceptional, but at £6.95 for the whole thing it’s certainly value for money. I would certainly recommend it, as if you need another reason to pop in to Firehouse for food.
Bryony: With its bohemian charm and year-round festive feel, in the face of looming deadlines and winter blues, Firehouse seems like an unbeatable place to warm up on a Sunday afternoon. Food is served between 12 and 4pm—or while stocks last—so it’s a good idea to grab a table early. While meat-eaters get a choice of meats, veggies are treated to a “fresh mushroom and feta wellington” served with creamy cider sauce, crispy roast potatoes and a colourful selection of seasonal veg. As a vegetarian, the tradition of a pub Sunday roast can often feel like you’re crashing someone else’s cool, meaty party; while everyone else is cooing over the tenderness of their meat, you’re left prodding the token dry nut roast. With this more creative offering, the Old Firehouse make sure that vegetarians have nothing to feel left out about; the pastry is succulent and is well complemented by the distinctive feta and mushroom flavours, but it’s the accompanying sweet, creamy cider sauce that makes pushes this meal from the realm of ‘tasty’ to ‘kind of dreamy’.
Image Credit: Kate Burgess
Kate: Veganism has always appealed to me despite its hippy-wishy-washy taboo. The trouble is, it’s an effort – It’s rare to find any old pub that offers a vegan option (that isn’t just carrot sticks and lettuce). The Old Firehouse, however, proves its talents lie not only in late night pizzas, good live music, scrummy cider and general magical ambience, but also in a slap up Sunday roast. How can this be so you ask? How can you genuinely enjoy a roast without meat or diary? By sampling the delights of a Firehouse ‘fresh mushroom and tarragon risotto cake’ is how. The dish is bursting with flavour that doesn’t leave you wanting. The tarragon is an interesting addition that, while at first odd, complements the more classic aspects of the dish (gravy lathered roasties, succulent red cabbage and fresh green beans) and binds the mushroom risotto cake very nicely. My only qualm, perhaps, was looking across the table at Thomas’ plate and seeing the homemade Yorkshire pudding that wasn’t part of the vegan menu. Either way, I’d thoroughly recommend the vegan option, particularly to those tired of the regular roast or just willing to try something new. Arriving in a huge portion, it boasts a very student friendly price (especially if you’re sharing!) that satisfies your wallet as much as your tummy.
Bryony: The portion sizes are generous, but since the pudding menu is a trio of hearty pub picks priced at just £2.50 (sticky toffee pudding, chocolate fudge cake or apple and blackberry crumble) it’s certainly worth considering going all out. Indeed, Sunday lunch at the Old Firehouse is a relaxed, unpretentious affair, and for under a tenner for a main, pudding and a pint of local cider, it deserves to be a student favourite (no matter what your food preference).
Do you disagree with us? Why not add a rating below or tell us via Facebook or Twitter?
Thomas Davies, Bryony Izzard and Kate Burgess
exeposedev 