Jen Eats…John Salt on Upper Street (The BEST roast dinner in London)

No film for yous, but I did have a roast revelation today, which I have to share…

I’ve been looking forward to trying Ben Spalding’s food for a while, I spied him at Broadway Market over the summer and stupidly didn’t take the plunge – however, it was hard to get a seat at his stall! Sitting, street food? Huh? I know! Methinks this man likes to do things differently. How’s this for different – chicken on a brick – that’s what you’ll find at John Salt.

What I found this sunny Sunday was the BEST roast dinner I have ever eaten in London. The last few roasts I’ve begrudgingly gulped down in local pubs etc have been so insipid, so blah, I thought all hope was lost. When I saw Ben was doing a one option roast dinner I emailed reservations@john-salt.com and kept my fingers crossed…

…lets just say all hope has been restored – roast potatoes can be done in a pub without resulting in a flavourless, flabby, grey stone on a cold plate. Everything on my plate was done how a roast dinner should be done (but on a another level!) – crisp, rich, succulent and sweet in a savoury way. A shard of chicken skin was wedged smack in the middle and obviously t’was the first thing I nibbled on. The chicken was juicy  and portion size, very generous. A massive jug of gravy on the table (big tick there!) slicked my tatties and veggies beautifully. I would’ve happily stuck my face in the jug and downed every drop.

For pud was a naughty but a goody – sticky toffee sponge with milk sorbet – unctuous and warming, I was in heaven and kept thinking of so many people that would just love this meal. My Dad would give his right foot for this pud let me tell you!

Ben has only 6 months residency at the Upper Street bar and restaurant – remember Keston Lodge, well tis no more – John Salt is in town and hopefully here to stay. What’s on offer is not just a perfect roast but innovative, taster style menus throughout the week, which will include dishes like chicken on a brick. Email, call, run there and get a table – it doesn’t matter what you have to do! Take me with you! Oh and lingon-berry sauce kicks cranberry’s ass.