Roast Kitchen

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
It’s not a restaurant, and it’s not quite a café. What is it? This bright store in Kew with its big shared tables was one couple’s answer to unhealthy take-aways. The Beasleys also recognised that the roast dinner was becoming something like an endangered species – small households, or couples working late and wanting to cook something in 15 minutes, or simply pick up a pizza.

On the back wall there’s a big counter that holds cooked meats. The roasts include beef, lamb, pork and chicken. In winter, there might be braised dishes too. There are vegetables, roast and steamed, and a range of salads in a refrigerated counter. Many people choose to eat in, sitting up at the high tables or benches, and some of them are asking for some kind of liquor licence, so they can enjoy a glass of red. For those who want the comfort of their own homes, meals are neatly packed up in a box, with gravy in a separate container. Desserts are available, too. There’s a display so you can pick up some fancy mustards and jellies. Try a crabapple jelly with roast lamb. It’s good homely food.

Rita Erlich