Full disclosure, I've known the Buffalo Wings at the Mall Tavern were awesome since well before the pandemic. And, the contrary thing is that they are not traditional in any sense. But this is my page and I set The Rules. Let's see how the AMAZING wings at the Mall Tavern fare when those Rules are applied!
The Scores
- The Specs: Flats and drums. Finger lickin' size, I guess, but as always the ol' double jointed wing would be preferred. RATING: 5.
- The sauce: The single greatest wing sauce ever. Thick, spicy, acidic, but also... in a strange twist, the blue cheese dipping sauce is mixed in with the buffalo and the wings are tossed in both! I know, I know, this sounds kinda disgusting. But trust me, its GOOD. And, on a technicality, ticks the boxes for authenticity too! RATING: 10.
- Crunch: Suspected battering here. The thickness of the Mall Tavern's sauce somewhat covers up the batter but these are thick wings - and there is a crunch. Pretty sure its not your standard buffalo coating though. It pains me but I don't want batter on my buffalo. RATING: 4
- Serving size & price/Value for Money: 6 flats and drums for GBP £7.50 which is about AUD$13... That's not bad. Considering this is a London pub, its by no means terrible value. RATING: 6
- Heat/spice level: Low to medium heat level here. Rating: 6
- Flavour: SPECTACULAR. Tiptoeing on the line of traditional versus fancy wankery, The Mall Tavern's wings are incontrovertibly great. Are they worth a second round, immediately after the first? At least one! Maybe two extra helpings! RATING 9
- Celery: Was there Celery sticks? There was not. RATING: 0.
- Dipping Sauce: Blue Cheese? Well, yes. Technically, the Blue Cheese sauce arrives pre-applied! Rating: 5.
- Other Stuff: Based in Notting Hill and, as such, something of a neighbourhood pub, The Mall Tavern exudes ambience. Very friendly and an easy venue to sit around all night. Ordinarily, always a glorious tap list too, featuring the best of London and UK beers such as Cloudwater, and The Kernel; Better yet, there's always multiple IPAs on tap to accompany your Buffalo Wings! RATING 8.
OVERALL RATING 53/80. No bonus points; no moist towelettes for post-wing clean up.
The lack of celery sticks robs The Mall Tavern of what would have been - after 3 reviews thus far - a very good score. That, and the suspected battering. Whether or not the THICC buffalo & blue cheese sauce would stand up against a traditional season is unsure... But rules are rules, and these two categories robbed The Mall Tavern of a tremendous score!
Still, scores and criteria aside, if you find yourself in London, The Mall Tavern is highly recommended. Pull yourself up a seat at the bar and eat your wing heart out.
Venue Details:
Address: 71 Palace Gardens Terrace, London, W8 4RU
Facebook: The Mall Tavern <> Instagram: @malltavern
Website: www.themallw8.com
