June 1, 2009 [ Updated July 5, 2009 ]
A friend and I paid our maiden visit to this gem on 6th May. What a pleasant surprise and discovery! Visitors to the Dove will find a very pleasant, split-level, mainly wood panelled pub with the lower level dedicated to diners and the remainder of the pub open to non-diners. Pleasant, warm lighting afforded by tungsten, and no background music, but a live bass/piano jazz duo struck up some melodic numbers during our stay. The unisex toilets in the Dove are pleasantly furnished and illuminated by led and halogen. Attracts a mixed clientele spanning all age groups, socioeconomic classes and nationalities. Popular amongst local students, and others with an adventurous approach to drinking and dining. On the beer front there are six handpumps of which 5 were in use last night. The best real ales on by far were both Crouch Vale: Golden Duck (3.8%) – very refreshing session ale, light hoppy and moreish Brewer’s Gold (4.0%) – Crouch Vale’s flagship ale – good, but enjoyed Golden Duck more. Vast selection of Belgian bottle and draught beers, of which my friend and I adjoyurned to Brugse Zot bringing a spicy and fruity cadence to our session. A comprehensive and exciting food menu is offered, with regular specials, some imaginative starters (the crab and prawn tart was delicious) and some traditional Belgian specialities (fish waterzooi, for example). The “posh fish and chips” went down a treat. Prices for the food given its quality are not excessive, the most expensive mains being around £12-£13; beer, including real ales, is on the pricy side with the Crouch Vale beers being £3.20/pint. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Dove, and will return very soon. Meanwhile, I recommend it 100%. You may wish to know the pub offers private Belgian beer tasting sessions - check website for details.