Pho is one of those places that i have been meaning to visit for ages. Mainly because it always smells amazing when i walk past. I have very little knowledge of Vietnamese food so for this visit i took a friend who has visited Vietnam a few times to get her verdict. That and the fact that place seems to have such mixed reviews so i wanted to see what i was like for myself.
For me, the lay out is an issue. Obviously, this can't be helped because of the constraints involved with being in a listed building. The bar is at the back and this is also where you have to ask about getting a table or your reservation. So on opening the door, you are confronted with a busy restaurant and a lucky guess as to how to get in on the action. Once round at the crowded and cramped bar, we got the booze in and our names down for a table. However, a couple of unfortunate diners were unaware of the "system" and had been waiting for quite some time before asking about a table and getting their names on the list. This system could be avoided by having someone greet people at the door, though they may have to remove a table for this. Ultimately, if you get your elbows out, you get a table. As long as you sit where you're told. We asked to sit elsewhere but told this was impossible. We then became the honorary meet and greeters as our table was by the door. So we told people about the "system" as they opened the door and got confused.
On to the food then, it was delicious. We had fresh spring rolls and lemongrass pork balls to start. They were both lovely and balanced in flavour and had a fantastic dipping sauce that was more than addictive.
For mains, we didn't have the pho after which the restaurant is named, but i had a fantastic curry which was delicious and very warming. So, my travelling friend gave it her seal of approval and i would definitely go back. If anything it's made me more keen to try the clutch of Vietnamese places dotted along the kingsland road. The service was slightly slow and haphazard but this was surely down to the fact they were so busy. Where is your favourite Vietnamese place? Let me know your recommendations!
