About the Skylark Café
In all the years I lived in London, I never visited Wandsworth, but I was there last month on a confusingly warm Saturday. My wife’s sister was moving to Scotland the following week and so we drove up from Hove to hang out. Setting off from the flat in Balham, we walked across to Wandsworth Common and the Skylark Café. This chaotic little spot had outdoor seating and rather bored looking staff. Most of the patrons had dogs, kids or a combination of the two and so we fit in, as we sat drinking coffee and eating pastry. Later, after walking for miles across the Thames, I was glad for having had a sausage roll but regretted not stashing another in my pocket. Hanger is a dangerous thing.
Address
Wandsworth Common, Dorlcote Rd, London SW18 3RT
1. Appearance
Did the sausage roll look appetising? Was it lovingly displayed in the shop window?
The sausage rolls were neatly stacked beside the till and they looked appetising. Prices were displayed on little chalk boards and both vegetarian and meaty ones were on offer.
7/10
2. Price
How much did you pay for it? Was it good value for money?
£3.80 felt like a lot for a modestly sized sausage roll. London prices and all that.
4/10
3. Packaging
Was it carefully wrapped? Did it arrive home intact?
The sausage roll was brought out to our table on a plate. It was served with a knife and fork but there was no offer of sauce. Mustard would have been appreciated.
6/10
4. Weight
Did it have a satisfying weight? Was it reassuringly dense?
Although not the largest piece of pastry, it had some density.
7/10
5. Warmth
Was it warm and ready to eat or cold on arrival?
There was no offer of heating and the sausage roll was served cold.
1/10
6. Pastry
Was it buttery and flaky? Did it hold together?
The pastry was passable but the roll should have been warmed. As such, it had a somewhat smily texture.
4/10
7. Quality of meat or filling
Was the filling substantial or did you mainly chew air?
The meat was very dense and delicious. The filling was far superior to the pastry.
8/10
8. Flavour
Was the sausage roll delicious and well-seasoned?
The meat was well-seasoned and I especially liked the fennel seeds on top, as they added some crunch.
9/10
9. Satisfaction
Were you left satisfied or wanting more?
I was fairly satisfied, in part from not having expected to eat a sausage roll. Little details let down the experience though.
6/10
10. Bonus Points
Did anything warrant bonus points? Eg. a little pot of mustard or friendly service from the staff?
Bonus for the abundant outdoor seating and the decent coffee.
6/10
sAUSAGE ROLL RATING
58/100
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