With the cost of living making a trip to the pub or restaurant a luxury for many, the supermarket 'dine-in' deal has become a popular alternative for a treat night in. This sentiment was put to the test by one writer who sampled the M&S Gastropub Dine-In deal, created in partnership with renowned chef Tom Kerridge.
A Festive Treat Without The Restaurant Price Tag
Priced at £15 for two, the deal allows each person, at £7.50 each, to select a main, a side, and either a starter or a dessert. The range forms part of the retailer's gastropub collection, which celebrated its 21st anniversary and was bolstered last year by Kerridge's involvement. He expanded the line again this autumn with new, seasonally inspired dishes.
The selection includes several of the chef's creations, such as a lamb hotpot pie and a steak and kidney suet crust pie. However, the classic beer-battered Scottish haddock and triple-cooked chips proved irresistible for our reviewer. The product lived up to its packaging, with the fish looking impressively fluffy inside its light ale batter once cooked.
The Verdict on Fish, Chips and a Gooey Dessert
The meal wasn't without minor flaws. One fish fillet was noticeably larger than the other, a potential source of domestic dispute, and the accompanying minted pea puree was slightly scant. Yet, the quality was undeniable. The chunky chips, described as being coated in a light batter and basted in beef fat, were declared 'simply divine'.
Choosing dessert over a starter led to the selection of the Kerridge molten cookie dough. This dessert, featuring an oozing centre made with sea salt and malt, and pockets of dark and white Belgian chocolate, was deemed the 'perfect choice', especially when served with vanilla ice cream.
Why The Gastropub Range Remains A Staple
Commenting on his latest autumn dishes, Tom Kerridge highlighted the appeal of hearty, convenient meals. "This time of year is made for proper hearty meals, either home cooked or all-in-one dishes that allow us to pack in seasonal veg more easily," he said. He specifically praised his cauliflower cheese soup with cheddar biscuits and the lamb hotpot pie, emphasising the quality of M&S ingredients and their availability within the Dine-In offer.
The reviewer concluded that the gastropub range's longevity is well-deserved, and with Tom Kerridge's ongoing input, it is likely to remain a supermarket fixture. The M&S Gastropub range is available in stores and online via Ocado, offering a restaurant-style experience at home for a fraction of the cost.
