Peter Morrell enjoys this quintessential British meal at this highly popular restaurant/microbrewery in one of south London’s most popular villages
Celebrating its 25th birthday in charming, sophisticated Blackheath, Zerodegrees, which takes its name from the fact that it is perched on the Greenwich Prime Meridian, has become something of an institution in the area.
I paid my first visit way back in 2016, when it was already famous for its creative wood-fired oven pizzas, think Pear and Gorgonzola or Wild Boar And ’Nduja, and kilo pots of mussels.
Since my last visit there is now, on the first floor, more dining space, and a well-appointed private room with bar, which affords lovely views over the heath. On the Sunday my wife and I visited there was a family event happening in the function room, so there was a procession of posh frocks and sharp suits going upstairs, which enhanced the already buzzy atmosphere.
In addition to the regular menu, Zerodegrees is offering a new Sunday Lunch menu for those who hanker after this most traditional of British meals. There are four options on the menu, sirloin of beef, porchetta, a whole chicken to share, and a cauliflower steak. Each option comes with all the Sunday Roast trimmings. Wood roasted potatoes, parsnips, carrots, beetroot, and onions together with cavolo nero and celeriac puree. These are all complemented by a delicious, rich gravy, and of course, a Yorkshire pudding. There is also a choice of sides like pork, apple and sage stuffing balls, cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets.
My thick, round slice of porchetta was excellent, succulent and juicy with a good depth of flavour, and sporting a halo of crunchy crackling. My wife equally enjoyed her grilled cauliflower which had just the right texture, and a fresh and bright flavour. We both liked the roasted vegetables, and our Yorkshire puds were light and fluffy. Also worth a mention was the side of pigs in blankets we ordered, made with crispy bacon and well-seasoned sausages.
If you are ordering a main meal at Zerodegrees you are offered a free flight of three beers brewed on the premises. I tasted the 6 Degrees of Separation, a dark yellow lager with strong citrus notes, next was the Black Lager, a brew heavy with chocolate, liquorice and smoke, finally their Everyday Session Lager offering a refreshing lemon flavour, and at only 4% it’s ideal if you are with mates, and in for the long haul.
The Black Lager was my match for the meal, and it was a great choice, as it was lunchtime, my wife had sparkling water. If you are not a beer drink there is also wide range of wines, cocktails and spirits that you can choose from.
The lunch is a large meal, but if you want to top and tail it with starters and desserts you can order from the main menu.
This is a lovely dining spot at any time of the week and a highly suitable venue to enjoy Sunday lunch with friends and extended family. You have even got the huge heath to take a walk after lunch and enjoy the fresh air and extensive views of Greenwich’s historic architecture and the modernity and scale of the huge buildings across the river in Canary Wharf.
I can thoroughly recommend the new Sunday lunch, pay a visit and have a thoroughly enjoyable eating experience.
Zerodegrees
29-31 Montpelier Vale
Blackheath
London SE3 0TJ
https://www.zerodegrees.co.uk
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