Bars are generally known for greasy fish and chips, tasteless burgers, and over-sauced wings to go with your pint of beer. Not so, anymore. The latest burgeoning business in Nairobi is the Gastropub.
Marrying the best of pub culture and restaurant dining, the modern consumer can go unwind in a friendly pub atmosphere, drink away their worries with a selection of beers and cocktails, and indulge in some delicious food – even during the day.
When you pass by Mercury The Last Drop at The Junction Mall, it doesn’t matter which evening of the week, it’s always pulsating with good times. During the day, The Last Drop transforms into a casual gastropub that serves up generous portions of some of the most authentic Buffalo Wings in Nairobi, offers traditional pub grub favourites with more robust flavours and revamped versions of popular classics like potato skins, moist and flaky fish and chips, spare ribs and steak. Inspired by original, tried and tested recipes, The Last Drop appeals to discerning clientele.
Fresh-faced staff are always eager to assist you. The Last Drop’s service was definitely more efficient during the day than in the evenings, probably thanks to the more relaxed vibe.
Unlike the Mercury at ABC Place, The Last Drop sports more of a rustic décor of a college bar with wood paneling, traditional bar stools and framed photographs of defining sports’ moments. The informal dining space during the day is bright, relaxing and homely. The Last Drop is built for comfort, not speed, so the bells-and-whistles are limited to what comes out of the kitchen, and it’s here the gastropub experience really shines.
To begin with, Capital Lifestyle Magazine drooled over the Crispy Potato Skins. Fried until golden, the potato skin shells were filled with gorgonzola cheese, savoury bacon, chives and topped with a slice of red chilli. We wished we had ordered more.
The Pork Spare Ribs were oven-baked loin ribs coated in honey and soya sauce. Tender and served piping hot, it tasted as good as it looked. The Mercury classic, Mini Beef Medallions, echoed similar sweet and savoury flavours of the ribs. The reduction of their secret port wine lifted the juicy beef and again, made us wonder, why didn’t we order more?
When Capital Lifestyle Magazine saw Buffalo Wings, it was a no brainer that we had to sample The Last Drop’s version. After all, offering Buffalo Wings is a bit of a gamble considering most chefs who have never visited Buffalo, New York have a hard time recreating the authenticity of the flavours. Buffalo Wings are traditionally deep-fried, unbreaded and then coated in a special spicy and vinegar-based sauce, served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. The Last Drop’s version will undoubtedly make Teressa Bellissimo, the woman credited with creating Buffalo Wings, proud. Who knows, these Buffalo Wings may just rival the original American pub that popularized them, Anchor Bar.
According to Eat Out, an average meal at The Last Drop will cost around Sh 1,000 per person. Surprisingly a great place to grab a bite, lunch or even a casual dinner; The Last Drop should definitely be one of your favourite gastropub joints in Nairobi.
For location details, prices, and how you can book online – make sure you check out Eat Out Kenya! Check it out now! http://www.eatout.co.ke/thelastdrop
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Crispy Potato Skins
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