By now you should be familiar with The Grandstand, especially after Omakase Burger shot to fame, followed by the groundbreaking launch of Pasar Bella.
Ensconced humbly at the corner-most of the long stretch of dining establishments is The Ascot, rustling up English comfort food and dispensing a host of alcoholic libations for patrons in search of a real British pub experience.
Alcoholic beverages include Fullers London Pride, Pure Blond and Crown Lager, house pour spirits such as Cruzan Light Rum, as well as a diverse range of beers imported from England, Australia and other parts of Europe. The Ascot’s variety of beers changes weekly.
To complete the English experience, patrons can watch football matches on the large-screen TV, play board games, or simply unwind at the alfresco beer garden facing The Grandstand’s football field and watch live football matches, while knocking back a few pints.
Weekend Roast served with Yorkshire Pudding ($32)
On a breezy Sunday afternoon, we enjoyed a hearty Weekend Roast, which feature medium rare slices of beef, teamed with a completely engaging brown sauce, and accompanied by Yorkshire pudding and vegetables. Other meat options include roasted chicken and lamb.
Weekend Roasts are served only on weekends and public holidays.
Cold Cut Platter with Scotch Egg ($18)
To kick-start the meal, the Cold Cut Platter delights one’s palate with 3 types of cold cuts accompanied by silver onions, gherkins, Scotch egg and homemade bread.
The Scotch egg is a highlight. Essentially an egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, all of us nodded in agreement as it worked its magic on our palates.
Strawberry Spinach Salad ($18)
I’m not much of a salad person, but the Strawberry Spinach Salad intrigues my palate with the arresting combination of saltiness, nuttiness and sweetness, thanks to the medley of crumbled blue cheese, pistachios, bacon, strawberry and avocado.
The pungency of blue cheese might repel quite a few, but is more than enough to make some drool.
Smoked Tomato Soup ($8)
Sending steam right up your nostrils, the sensuous crimson hue and captivating lustre of the Smoked Tomato Soup will bring boundless delight to your taste buds, as if the enchanting aroma didn’t do enough to elate your already aroused senses. This is a must-try.
A bunch of bangers ($20)
Bangers and Mash is a quintessential British comfort food, while Bubble and Squeak is another traditional English staple made with shallow-fried leftover vegetables. The Ascot combines the two and there we have it: Bangers with Bubble and Squeak.
The Ascot Burger served with Fries
The Ascot Burger is served only on Fridays till Sundays, available all day unless completely sold out.
There was sufficient moisture locked in the patty, which made each bite juicy and succulent. The ordinary bun, however, pales in comparison to Omakase Burger’s crusty, soft, fluffy and buttery bun.
Fish & Chips ($20)
As an ardent fish lover, I was disappointed with the staleness of the fish that takes on a slight fishy odour. I opted for mash instead of fries, which turns out bland and insipid. The accompanying mushy peas did not appeal to me at all either.
Chicken Tikka Masala with homemade Naan ($18)
The modest looking Chicken Tikka Masala is not to be understated. Tender chunks of chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, find themselves doused in a mouth-watering curry that’s as brilliant in colour as it is in flavour. This was one of my favourite items despite its not-so-British-identity that somehow still manages to reign supreme in this English gastropub. The only letdown was the rather stale Naan.
Bread & Butter Pudding with choice of Ice Cream ($9)
Desserts that are worth ordering include the Bread & Butter Pudding and the Fried Mars Bar, both served with your choice of ice cream.
Fried Mars Bar served with choice of Ice Cream ($8)
The Fried Mars Bar is lightly battered and flash-fried to ethereal crispiness without the greasiness.
The Ascot
#01-16
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Opening hours:
Mon – Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat: 10.30am – 1am
Sun: 10.30am – 11pm (Sunday Roast starts from 4.30pm till 8.30pm)
Weekend Brunch: 10.30am – 2.30pm