The Rosendale

Posted by dulwichmum on Sun 2 October 2011

Name of product: Dining at The Rosendale Pub in West Dulwich

The blurb: “Totally transformed and under new ownership, The Rosendale is now a handsome local public house. Serving hearty, seasonal food, fine wines and cask ales in beautiful surroundings, you can be assured of the warmest of welcomes

Pop in for a pint, join us for a quick lunch, fantastic Sunday roast or just to enjoy our stunning new look gardens”

First impressions: As a local, I initially enjoyed the previous incarnation of The Rosendale, until the service went completely off the boil and the chef became obsessed with offal. I also loved Belair House – but the less said about that the better… As someone who enjoys eating out (I am a Michelin star groupie and an absolute Chez Bruce devotee), I was more than curious to investigate the latest offering at The Rosendale.

Why can’t we have somewhere great to eat out locally (shakes fist at sky)?

Three weeks ago, my darling man, our two perfect poppets, the housekeeper, Albina, and me, swept into The Rosendale for an early evening Sunday supper!

The first detail that made us smile about the new Rosendale was the fact that they have put a water bowl and dog biscuits by the door – we adore our cockapoo, and if he can join my lovely husband for a drink after an evening walk, we are all happy.

The newly decorated interior is much warmer, more welcoming, with lots of nice textures and ambient lighting – less high street and slightly more Osborne and Little, if that makes sense. We all agreed instantly that The Rosendale is much improved.

There is now lots of outdoor seating for balmy evenings and even play equipment for little people – why did the previous owners never make the most of the outdoor space?

Ease of Use: As a parent, I have to say that The Rosendale gets top marks for ease of use. The staff are charming and actively engaged our progeny. Service was prompt, Max and Freya were not left sitting too long between courses and the menu and wine list was a delight – James was more than happy! There were lots of young families dining when we were there, several high chairs and more than a few prams with new babies, yet the noise level was not too high, and it didn’t feel at all chaotic. There were plenty of healthy, imaginative and organic options to chose from on the children’s menu (it really is very Dulwich!).

The Rosendale is certainly a great place to dine out as a couple and still, a great place to bring the family too! How refreshing!

Pros: Lets see now, where do I begin? James, Albina and I had the Bresaola Carpaccio with rocket, stilton, celery and walnut dressing to start (don’t go and not try that!). It was simply so delicious that my salad averse poppets were curious and opted to try it too – unheard of! The rocket and celery were crunchy and there was just the right amount of scrumptious, perfectly seasoned dressing. The children enjoyed artisan bread, olive oil and Balsamic vinegar too (they are currently insisting on ordering from the adult menu – bless!).

We three grown-ups also had the Roast Orkney Beef, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings. The beef was medium rare, just as requested, the Yorkshire pudding was the size of my housekeepers head – even the parsnips were delicious, and I hate parsnips! The poppets tucked into the beer battered fish and chips and both polished off adult sized portions.

The children selected ice cream and sorbet (Max tells me I must point out that the mango sorbet and vanilla ice cream was delicious) while the rest of our table tucked into enormous portions of mouth watering Eton Mess.

Cons: I must admit that we have returned to The Rosendale twice again over the last month (once without the children), we have now established our favorite dishes. Although I hear that they intend to change the menu soon, I really don’t want them to… (sniff). Everything is so perfect there at the moment, please do try it, before a single thing changes!

Max says that you must try the fairy cakes as he has so enjoyed decorating them himself and found them to be quite delicious. He also recommends the organic roast chicken!

Value for money: The Rosendale represents outstanding value for money. We five had three courses each, all from the adult menu (the kids menu is really reasonable at just £4.50 for a main course and £2 for pudding), a bottle of my favourite Macon, sparkling water and soft drinks galore, and it cost less than £180!

Dulwichmum verdict: Hurrah! PLEASE DON’T CHANGE A THING

Contact: Check out The Rosendale online and be sure to visit them at 65 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich, London SE21 8EZ. Telephone: 0208 761 9008

Lunch Menu
Dinner Menu
Sunday Menu
Bar Food
Kids Menu
Wine List

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 Bonnie Baby Clothing

Posted by dulwichmum on Fri 9 September 2011

Name of product: Bonnie Baby Clothing

Price: From £10.00

The blurb: Tracey Samuel says “Bonnie Baby was born in 2004 after the birth of my daughter Alice Bee – and like her, the business has been developing and growing ever since. With over ten years’ experience as a fashion designer, most recently for Paris fashion house Sonia Rykiel, I quickly realized that my new life as a mother would not fit well around the hectic Paris-London commute! So I took the plunge to set up Bonnie baby, creating beautifully designed high-quality baby clothes in luxury fabrics. Of course, with my new found experience as a mum, I made sure all of our baby and toddler clothes are machine washable to make life that little bit easier!”

First impressions: Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. The blanket and sleep suit arrived deliciously packaged in cartons. The packaging is lovely and is the icing on the cake when unwrapping these lovely little outfits. The sleep suit is beautifully soft and snugly for precious little munchkins. The blanket matches the sleep suit and is reversible, soft and cosy for those Autumnal walks

Ease of Use: The sleep suit is size 3 – 6 months and although my son is a bit of a long legged, chubby monster, it is a good fit (he is 4months) although I am not sure he will still be able to wear it at 6 months . I love to pop him into a sleep suit, especially one smart enough to make other Dulwich Mums green with envy. The suit is actually so cute that we decided to pop him in it for a friends Christening…this however was before my partner and I decided to trim his nails and I promptly chopped off the end of his thumb (oh the shame). On a positive note I can truly say that the suit washed extremely well and that any trace of our appalling parenting was removed…phew

Before Mummy got out the nail scissors After….opps

Pros: Beautiful unusual designs in super soft fabrics and so hard wearing, they will wash and wear well

Cons: I have fallen in love with the new super soft rainbow collection and am just working on a strategy to sneak these in to our chubby mans wardrobe without his father noticing. I also feel the sizes could be a little more generous (either that or I have to admit my little one is a bit of a brute)

Value for money: These are gorgeous pieces for any little ones wardrobe and a wonderful may to initiate that…’I would love to ask where that suit is from but refuse to give her the satisfaction’ look in many a passing parent!

Dulwichmum verdict:

Stockists: Branches of John Lewis and online

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