I’ve been on the lookout for a place where I can combine my love of drinking and eating (in peace) with the kid’s love of playing. Golden Fleece in Manor park may just be that place.
Everything about it sounded enticing, a promising menu, plenty of good reviews and a playground for the kids. All the ingredients needed for the perfect day out to keep both adults and children happy.
So we booked up for the ‘Winter Fayre’ menu and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived and our table was decorated as if for Christmas dinner. The children were given crayons and an activity sheet and we were showered with menus (the normal menu, the Christmas menu, the children’s menu and the drinks menu!).
The gin selection is on point with a variety of different flavours. I went for a lemon gin and tonic which was refreshing and a perfect tipple on a hot day. But on noticing the mulled wine, that was next up on the orders.
After taking ages on deciding we went with traditional fish and chips which was massive and delicious. We shared a portion between an adult and a child and both of us were very full. Whilst waiting on the food, the children could wander around the garden and explore the play area.
In all honestly the playground is a bit ‘meeeh’ and the equipment is both a little old and unimaginative as well as designed for older children (over 4 years old) as the younger kids needed help climbing on to the top of the slide. But given the large garden is enclosed and there are a lot of trees around, children can occupy themselves by climbing and playing. The concept feels pretty unique (this is the first pub in London that I’ve been to that has a playground) and the kids enjoyed themselves.
The food is good value with large portion sizes and also very tasty. You can expect a variety of pub classics as well as specials dependant on the season. There are a variety of craft beers as well as cask ales, cocktails and mocktails. The service was also great (all the staff seemed very pleased to see us after their closure in Lockdown 2).
In terms of Covid measures, they have a one way system in place and wearing masks is compulsory unless you are eating. There are also limited numbers when using the toilets and parties larger than 6 (unless it is families from the same household) are not permitted. You have to do Track and Trace on arrival and there is a deposit to pay when you make your booking.
The location of the pub is overlooking Wanstead Flats so you can combine with a visit to the nearby playground or a trip to feed the ducks in nature. There is also free parking outside the venue on a weekend (which is helpful as it quite a walk from any station).
The Golden Fleece has a variety of offers for Christmas 2020 including a Boxing Day three course meal option for £19.99 per person. More information and booking via their website here.