Two Sides Of The Table Supper Club Review
“Two Sides of the Table” was a a one-night-only culinary collaboration with The Bridge Club and Chef Manifest at The Jolly Gardeners in Vauxhall .
The concept was a dual tasting menu where every guest experienced both a meat-based and vegan version of each dish — side by side. Known for his flavour-forward and rich, meaty vegan creations, Chef Manifest (Dan Blucert) crafted a playful menu designed to challenge, compare, and most importantly, delight. Chef and baker Jack Ponting, who founded The Bridge Club, again showcased the things we love in British and European foods. We were encouraged to think of it as a delicious debate on a plate, with every plate telling a story. Both Jack and Dan’s (who is also the owner of The Jolly Gardeners) love of food shone through in their dishes.
Upon arrival we had the included cocktail which was a twist on an Old Fashioned. Sazerac Rye Whiskey which has been steeped in pine, served with a. burnt orange syrup and bitters, and served with ice and garnish. Titled ‘Norman Stansfield’ it’s named after Gary Olman’s character in the film ‘Léon’, which is due to a Jack theming cocktails at recent supper clubs around his favourite films or characters.
The amuse-bouche was Potato and Goat’s Cheese Terrine, Potato Bread and Wild Mushrooms whilst the vegan one was Wild Mushroom, Fried Potato and Truffle Terrine, Smoked Plant-Based Cheddar and Potato Bread. The vegan one was the winner at our table as it was well balanced with the black garlic and truffle. The potato brad was so fluffy, I had way more slices then I should have given we still had the courses to go.
The starter was duck egg soft scramble with pancetta and Parmesan compared to the plant-based quiche lorraine. Both were served with seasonal English Asparagus. The winner by far the non-vegan option which took the concept of bacon and eggs to a new level. We liked that it was creamy and both the bacon and parmesan were crispy. We did like the smokiness of the quiche. A few of us had this on the potato bread which was delicious.
For mains there was a traditional North England dish- pease pudding with ham haddock. As described on the evening, this ‘poor people’s food’ from the past was tonight served in a rich way. This was thick and creamy and the pork pulled apart easily. The vegan alternative also showcased North England, featuring Carlin peas which are a historic marbled brown pea. This was in a lentil and carlin pea pudding with fermented mushroom and tarragon dumplings. My friend and I both felt the mushrooms had a stronger flavour here than the amuse-bouche, but we liked the burst of flavour biting into the lentils. Both were served with parmentier potatoes and sauerkraut.
For dessert we had Baked Alaska. The Genoa cake was encased with a mango ice cream and with a torte meringue to top. It was served with apricots which are in season. It balanced the textures and flavours of the three components very well, and was a great way to finish the evening.
We’ve gone twice now to The Bridge Club supper clubs and love exploring new food in a communal setting. This supper club was the epitome of decadent and beautiful flavours coming together. Our tip is to pace yourself.
Future supper clubs will include a fried chicken night and burger night. Keep an eye on The Bridge Club’s website and socials for further details.
Address: The Jolly Gardeners, 49-51 Black Prince Rd,
London SE11 6AB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmanifest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.bridgeclub
Website: https://www.thebridgeclub.co.uk/shop
Email: thebridgeclub1@gmail.com
Written by Caitlin Neal
