The hype: Joining its sister outlets Deustchlander and Cuba Libre in bringing a little taste of non-native food and cultures back home to our favourite nightspot, Cask and Bangers not only offers a drooling mix of gourmet British nosh and comforting British-Indian fare to go with their specially curated line of British craft beers and cocktails, but scores with entertainment in the form of sports and live music from the ‘80s and ‘90s for a proper pit-stop during your next night out.
The vibe: Join in the electric atmosphere outdoors or hideaway indoors to a warm and cozy diner setting. Pass a iconic London red telephone box and take a seat in one of their chairs (furnished in British flag colours, no less) or perch yourself high up on wooden colonial-style bar stools around their central bar. But it’s not just the padded chairs that’s got us comfortable—instead, it’s the unexpected nostalgia-fest with familiar pop/rock tunes playing live in the background and the continuous screening of Mr. Bean episodes that’ll give you a reason to stay.
The food: To be fair, you probably aren’t coming to this watering hole with the intention of finding the best, gold-standard food. What you will get here, though, exceeds expectations with a more than sufficient array of small and big plates that’ll hit the spot when you’re sloshed.
Proper blokes, take your pick from an extensive western menu ranging from savoury staples such as waffle fries ($11), onion rings ($11) and crispy wings ($13) to full-on pastas and pizzas (from $20) to fill a rumbling tummy. Tuck into traditional battered Fish and Chips ($26), Roast Beef & Yorkshire Puddings ($28) and even a Guinness Burger ($29), drizzled with creamy Guinness sauce for an extra oomph.
Their British-Indian offerings are everything you’ll find at a good Indian eating house, with meat dishes such as the Chicken Tikka ($18) and the classic Chicken Curry ($25) both boasting tender, moist and well-marinated chicken. The vegetarian options are no less satisfying with fresh curd cheese as the star of dishes like Palak Paneer ($22), where it sits in a creamy spinach based sauce. If you fancy something to wake you up from your drunken slumber, dig into fragrant biryani with vegetarian ($22), chicken ($24) and lamb ($28) options for a spicy kick. Oh, and don’t forget to order a side of their incredibly soft and doughy naan for a true, glorious fill of comfort carbs.
The drinks: In addition to the Cask and Bangers’ own lager, IPA and pale ale on tap, choose from their intriguing list of “Strictly British” craft beers and ciders (from $17 a pint). Try the award-winning Golden Champion, a golden ale with a subtle elderflower aroma, or the London Black Cab Stout for a richer and darker profile. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Brothers’ Toffee Apple is the perfect way to start the meal with dessert. Amp it up further with beer cocktails, such as the Beer Sangria ($20), made with vodka, wheat beer and fruits.
Love drinking tea just like a true Brit? Sip on Birds and the Bees ($18), a chamomile tea cocktail that’s delightfully spiked with gin. It’s good fun exploring their British-inspired gin cocktails as well—take a refreshing walk in their version of an English Great Garden ($22), or have a True English Martini ($22) with London dry gin, vermouth and orange bitters.
Why you’ll be back: When it comes to choosing a place to refuel at the end (or start) of a long night, it’s often a toss up between typical western nibbles and trusty Indian, mamak style feasts. With Cask and Bangers’ dual approach, you’ll never have to choose between either again.
