London Pub with Michelin Star Serves Lunch and Drink for Just £15
Michelin Star dining is renowned for exceptional cuisine, but it often comes with a steep price tag. However, a pub in South London is challenging that notion by offering a lunch special that includes a drink for only £15, despite recently earning the coveted Michelin Star accolade.
Rapid Rise to Culinary Excellence
The Kerfield Arms in Camberwell achieved Michelin Star status earlier this year, an impressive feat given that the venue opened its doors less than twelve months prior. This recognition places it among London's elite dining establishments, yet it maintains an accessible pricing strategy that defies typical fine dining expectations.
Food Reviewers Put the £15 Lunch to the Test
Social media food reviewers Gerry and Paul, who operate under the name Bite Twice and boast 272,000 Instagram followers, visited the pub to sample the midweek lunch special. They documented their experience in a video, expressing initial skepticism about whether a Michelin Star meal could truly be offered at such a low cost.
Paul remarked in the video, "So this unassuming pub in the depths of South London was recently awarded a Michelin Star, and they do a £15 lunch special with a drink. We're going to see if it's any good."
Detailed Review of the Meal
The daily special featured grilled pork collar bacon served with Jersey royal potatoes and parsley sauce. The reviewers began with bread and butter, which Gerry considered a litmus test for any quality establishment. He described the bread as "delicious. Really, really soft and fluffy bread. Nice crunchy exterior."
Moving to the main course, Gerry praised the pork, saying, "That is flavour in absolute abundance. It's kind of sweet, super salty, but in a good way. The glaze on it is sensational. The meat is just cooked to perfection. Really buttery and just falls apart. Beautiful." He also highlighted the parsley sauce as "the creamiest parsley sauce I've ever had in my life."
Verdict and Social Media Reaction
Paul called it a sensational lunch, joking that he could eat five portions but acknowledging the quality made it worthwhile. He added, "Maybe these Michelin people know what they're talking about." The total bill for two, including drinks, bread and butter, water, and service, came to £47.81.
Gerry rated the meal 8.4 out of 10, while Paul gave it a slightly higher score of 8.7. The review sparked varied reactions on social media:
- One commenter noted, "With a pint and a star on the door think that’s pretty amazing tbh."
- Another said, "Not the most substantial portion, bread is a good addition and it's less than £50 for two with drinks - that's amazing."
- A third observed, "Pub with a Michelin star is pretty impressive. The portion would be great for those who are advocating portion control in their diet."
- Some criticized the portion size, with one writing, "Looked nice but the portion looked a bit small and there was no greens."
- Another praised the value, stating, "For £15 you ate like kings. They’re doing God's work down there."
Michelin Guide's Perspective
The Michelin Guide describes The Kerfield Arms as a wonderful neighbourhood pub that is bright, warm, and welcoming, with an interior that remains pub-like despite its smart appearance. The guide praises the menu for its accessible, pared-back cooking that features high-quality ingredients in generous dishes without pretension. An example cited is tender Salt Marsh lamb loin with romero peppers and a pastilla of slow-cooked shoulder meat.
This establishment demonstrates that Michelin Star dining can be both affordable and exceptional, offering a unique experience in London's competitive culinary scene.
