MCR in October: Autumn Warmers Worth Leaf-ing the House For
If there’s one kind of food that gets my heart racing, it’s that of the comforting kind.
You know what I’m taking about, the types of dishes that would rush up and give you a bear hug if they could; enveloping you in its warm, friendly and most likely, cheesy embrace.
It truly doesn’t get any better, and with Autumn fast-approaching its crisp-leaved, brisk-evening glory, no time could be more suited for such platefuls.
Lord of the Pie
And how better to start preparing for your winter bod, than with a rough, tough yet charmingly sophisticated pie.
Found on the stretch of Chorlton’s high street, Lord of the Pie is a must visit for anyone with tastebuds.
Packed and plentiful, these hand-crafted pies are stuffed with tender cuts of meat, from steak, to braised Cheshire lamb, roasted beef and chicken tikka. Filling accompaniments range from melted stilton to a classic red wine jus; warm and inviting, be sure to combine with their signature mustard mash, braised red cabbage and lashings of onion gravy.
The Refuge Roast
Now, do things really get any more British-autumn than a cracking roast?
Unless it’s the Queen kicking her way through a pile of golden leaves in Hyde Park, I think not my friend.
Despite being a total roast snob, (the finest come from your kitchen at home after all) I can vouch The Refuge serve up a solid second.
Opt for the sharing platter and enjoy three sensationally roasted cuts of meat; beef, chicken and pork lay atop Vimto-soaked, braised red cabbage (yep, you read right; and it’s really rather divine!) veggies, and humungous Yorkshire puds.
If you prefer to grab and go - opt for their Yorkshire pudding wrap; all the above in a handy-hand-sized portion, it’s the new must-have Autumn accessory.
Victor's Beef Wellington
If you enjoy your classic British eats with a side of decadence, Victor’s Beef Wellington is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of.
Perfected with the most melt-in-the-mouth beef you’ve ever had your chops around, the marriage of crisp pastry against tender meat will lead to many “mmm”-induced mouthfuls, heightened by a whipped mash potato which’ll smooth over any problems like the softest, butteriest blanket.
Now, could I possibly tempt you with some pudding?
Hispi’s extraordinary Custard Tart
I could go classic with the incredibly loved Sticky Toffee Pudding, or even a humble Apple Crumble; alas I have something far superior up my sleeve for your delight.
Full of pleasing wobble, a sumptuous base and sweet hot custard, it’s guaranteed to warm even the coldest of hearts.
Try it once and I promise you’ll have a new favourite.
With the days quickly transitioning into evening, there’s every excuse to stay inside and enjoy the slow slip into winter; and what better way to mourn the warmer-ish months than chewing the fat (both literally and figuratively) with friends, and spoiling yourself with a slap-up feed. Tis the season after all! (Almost).