Hearty and welcoming neighbourhood local

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Review of  The Walpole, St Mary's Road

The Walpole

35 St Mary's Road,
Ealing
W5 5RG

Phone:  
020 8567 7918

The gleaming red door of The Walpole is a good indicator of what you are going to find inside - a warm welcome and strong views on what makes good food.

A popular neighbourhood local, The Walpole is open during the day for its renowned fry-ups. During the day, it is frequented by a surprising variety of people, and its popularity with the building trade is a good indication of value for money and decent sized portions. In the evening, however, it transforms into an up-market bistro on Friday and Saturday nights only, offering a 2 or 3 course set menu containing a small but varied choice.

We sat at an informally laid table with brown paper covers, although the cutlery and glasses are good. The mood is cheerful and good-humoured.

The jovial hostess sweeps over to provide a detailed run through the menu, which changes weekly and is based on English cuisine. As someone with the constitution of a rhino, I really didn't need to know all the ingredients of every single dish, especially as I had already decided what I wanted. However, it makes a change for what the customer wants to be at the centre of the meal rather than what the restaurant wants to give you, and it would be reassuring for those with allergies or special food requirements. The house wine tasted like house wine, and there's quite a jump in price towards the more designer-label wine selection. Bin ends were on offer that evening for those who know their stuff.

The smoked haddock and egg starter was pleasant enough and the rhubarb ice-cream on the heavy side, but the restaurant's real strength lies in its main courses. More than plentiful helpings of succulent meat, creamy melting potatoes and rich red cabbage made you want to savour every mouthful really slowly and wish you had space for more. Don't expect nouvelle cuisine, low fat anything or exquisite presentation with twirly bits. This is hearty, well-cooked food with quality ingredients, butter, cream and anything else in it that tastes good.

Previous diners have complained about the smoke in the restaurant; that was not an issue on the evening we visited.

 

Members' comments

Antonia writes (May 2005):
We've been to the Walpole many times (at least 10) and never had a problem with the smell of smoke. When you book, they ask if you're a smoker or not so that they can then make sure that smokers are not sat next to non-smokers etc. which is effective.

This restaurant is fantastic and one of a kind - the food and drinks (you have to try one of the martinis) are amazing and the service so very friendly. I would encourage anyone to try this restaurant and if you are concerned about smoke just speak to the hosts and they will make sure you are seated somewhere that it will not bother you.

Malcolm Todd writes (Mar 2005):
We visited at 7.30 on a Friday evening. The food and service was fantastic. My cotechino on Puy lentils with Mostada di Cremona was superb. Yes, portions are big, and no, we didn't find it at all smokey. Friendly people, great atmosphere.

Sally writes (Feb 2005):
Suberb food. Great atmosphere. Excellent service. Too smoky. We too booked a non smoking table which turned out to be a joke. I am insulted at paying 90 quid all in for a treat to have it ruined by the fag smoke. It is not good enough. The smoke seems a recurring theme here and if you're a non-smoker don't bother as the Walpole don't care. (They all seem to chain smoke too). What a pity. A suberb restaurant - but only if you're a smoker.

Sue writes (Dec 2004):
Have now had dinner here several times and I love it! Fantastic service and food. Only complaint - sometimes the servings are just too big.... oh well, at least they happily give you a doggie bag!

Bruce writes (Nov 2004):
I was disappointed with the Walpole. Although the food was good and the service extremely friendly, we spent most of the evening in a fog of cigarette smoke. We had asked for a no smoking table when we booked. On arrival we were shown to our table which I had trouble getting into as the table next to us seemed extremely close. Then, shortly after we started our first course, the guy on the table so close to us lit up a cigarette. The smoke seemed to blow right in our faces. This was the first of at least four cigarettes he had. Unfortunately this took any enjoyment of the meal away as all we could taste was Lambert and Butler!

When we mentioned this to the very friendly host at the end of the meal, we were told that they don't really have no-smoking tables. In which case why did they offer us the option when we booked?

I'm sure the Walpole is a good restaurant, and the food did look good. However the prices are not cheap (£70 for two) and I would not risk going to the Walpole again when I know I can get a more comfortable, smoke free table elsewhere for the same sort of money.

Howie writes (Sep2004):
We go to the Walpole all the time for breakfast/brunch/lunch because it's friendly, does great food and offers superb value for money. The ham, eggs and chips is my favourite. The home-made chips have to be as good as you'll get anywhere, and the ham is the real mccoy cut from the bone and you get very generous helpings of everything served on huge, hot plates. (And there's a great selection of condiments too). My only very slight criticism is that the menu hasn't really changed since it opened and it would be nice if we could try some new offerings.

Jenny writes (May 2004):
I went last night for a meal at The Walpole, and it was a complete surprise. I reackon it was the nicest food, best service that I have ever had in Ealing. I have lived in Ealing for over 10 years and I can honestly say I have never come across any restuarant that comes close. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff made me relax and enjoy my Friday evening. i highly recommend anyone who enjoys good food and excellent wine to visit The Wapole.

Sally N. writes (Apr 2004):
I had one of the best nights out here, that I've had in aeons. The food is superb, in portions designed to challenge even greedy pigs like me and as for the staff - well, they're almost embarassingly - for other restaurants - good at their jobs. Rarely have I been made to feel so very welcome, with my every whim pandered to in a most unobtrusive manner. Wendy, the front of house and co-chef/owner is charming, energetic and an absolute scream. I'm going to stop here before I sound too sycophantic. Try it for yourselves - you never know, if enough demand is generated, the Walpole might open on more nights...

Helen writes (Mar 2004):
I had a lovely meal on Saturday night at the Walpole thanks to browsing on this site. Our other Ealing favourites have been The Clock, BBs, and The Ealing Park Tavern. Since we live in Hanwell we tried to support The Clock but have finally tired of its expense and snooty attitude. BB's if great but I would agree that their side dishes are far too expensive and if you are not careful your bill can really escalate. Ealing Park Tavern is our favourite at the moment. Haven't experienced the disappointments described here; I think the atmosphere there is great and have always had good service. The only drawback is you have to book well in advance. They had no decent timed table this Saturday so The Walpole it was. I was nervous that it might feel like a cafe, but within seconds you forgot all about its daytime use. I loved the attention we were given by the owner who talked through the whole menu passionately to help our decison. The menu apparently changes every week and was short enough not to be overwhelming but a great choice. We had a fantastic meal, great service and I would reccommend a visit. We will definitely be going back.

Sol writes (Mar 2004):
Walpole is great, Wendy is lovley, always get great Ham Sandwiches and Helena is a hearthrob! Good luck, Walpole.

 

 

 

January 18, 2006