Eating Out: The Barge, Riverhead, Grimsby
I HAVE great – and somewhat fuzzy – memories of The Barge, in Grimsby, but in the ten years I have been going there, my choice of purchase has always been of the liquid variety.
So after witnessing my colleague, James Dunn lose every Man vs Food battle the Barge could throw at him, I decided it was high time I gave their menu a go.
We walked into the town centre landmark to heavy metal band Disturbed, Down With The Sickness (and prayed the song title wasn’t an omen) and were engulfed by Humberside Fire And Rescue’s Grimsby Christmas party – heavy metal and firemen, what more could I ask for?
The atmosphere was, as it always is in the Barge, loud and lively and although I love it, I found myself questioning if eating out here was a good idea. But one glance at the menu and I was sold.
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They offer three great vegetarian options, including my favourite – homemade lasagna – and at £5.95 each, plus a pudding, I was in heaven.
The barmaid and chef were friendly, welcoming and nothing was too much trouble for them.
In need of a hearty meal to get me through late night Christmas shopping, I opted for fish and chips with mushy peas.
We got ourselves out the way of the festive anarchy ensuing by the bar and went upstairs where it was quieter.
Supping on my beer and plotting what to buy my newsroom secret Santa, my meal arrived in no time.
And, in typical Barge style, it was big, bold and no messing.
The homemade batter was among the best I have tasted and the fish was perfectly cooked.
The mountain of mushy peas complemented the fish deliciously but there was enough to feed an army.
My only criticism would be – and I may be wrong – is that the chips did not appear to be homemade.
I devoured what I could manage, but like Mr Dunn, I am no match for the Barge’s mammoth portions.
My first taster of a meal at this alternative and charming pub was great and I will definitely go back for seconds.
But those who want a quieter cuisine experience, should perhaps go during the day.
The Barge has a fantastic reputation for its rock and the restaurant side of the business should never get in the way of that – which I’m pleased to see doesn’t.
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