Jammy Delights In Chelsea
The Jam Tree sits in the middle of the renowned King’s Road – making it one of Chelsea’s favourite hangouts. Don’t be surprised if you spot some of the cast members of Made In Chelsea, swishing by with their designer handbags, when you visit. Whether you’re having after work drinks with friends, or are in the mood for some late-night partying, The Jam Tree certainly provides all the drinks, food and atmosphere you desire for the sweetest evening out.
Food: The restaurant, which has a sister branch in Clapham, serves up great wholesome food, a delicious BBQ and is even famed for its cocktails – which you can sip with a dollop of jam. Yes really! It may sound a bit weird but I tried the virgin mojito mixed with raspberry jam and it was amazing.
There is a small but tasty selection of starters on offer. If you want to share a few nibbles with pals then you won’t go wrong with the Hummus, which is served with warm naan bread, or Mirchi Ka Packoda which is dished up with a Mango Lassi. The latter is especially yummy as it’s basically a selection spicy cauliflower and milk green chilli covered in a soft and fragrant batter. But for an indulgent starter, then get your nashers around The Sotong Manis. This is easily one of the best things on the menu. This sticky battered squid is dished up with sweet kecap manis sauce, chilli and fresh coriander. It is full of flavour without being overpowering and, best of all, the squid is cooked to perfection and is wonderfully soft.
When it comes to mains, diners are spoilt for choice. Meat lovers are in for a treat with the Ribeye Steak, and Roast Venison Loin. Veggies are also caterer for with Malaysian Dry Black Pepper Todu Curry and the Kolhrabi and Parsnip Slaw. For health enthusiast – the menu also includes equally irresistible lighter main courses and with less than 500 calories a dish, they are ideal for a guilt free meal out.
The restaurant is also famous for it’s spit roast, which must to be pre ordered. The Whole Hog, which feeds up to 200 people, is slow roasted for over 7 hours, and then carved right in front of you. It’s then served in a crusty bap with apple sauce, slaw and stuffing. But I opted for the Pan Fried Fish Cakes and they was soft, light and utterly flavoursome. They were made up of coley, hake and salmon which had been spiked with lemon grass, chilli ginger and garlic. It was plated up with an Asian bean, cashew, sour tomatoes salad. The sauce that the vegetables were coated in was literally finger licking good.
When it comes to puddings – I personally was eyeing up quite a few desserts. I couldn’t decided between the Treacle Tart, or the Clementine and Cranberry Cheesecake but after the waiter declare that the Treacle Tart was the best sweet treat – that that is what I settled on and I certainly was not disappointed. It was sticky and sumptuous and presented with a generous dollop of caramel ice cream. It is very rich so you could easily share this with a friend.
Best of all both branches of The Jam Tree are offering 50 per cent off food this January from Monday to Friday. With an offer like that – there really has never been a better time to check it out.
Atmosphere: The ambience of The Jam Tree is what makes it special. The staff are very friendly and always full of great suggestion on what to try if you’re a bit unsure on what to order. Our waiter was full of handy recommendations which always turned out great. He urged me to try a virgin mojito with a dollop of jam and it was easily the best drink I’ve had for a long time.
Cost: Starters range from £5.50-£8.50, mains range from £11 – £24 and puddings range from £ 6 – £8.50.
The Jam Tree, 541 King’s Road, Chelsea, London, SW6 2EB. Nearest Tube: Fulham Broadway
