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Jarrod & Rawlins (J&R) has been a staple feature in the KL dining scene for a while, and for good reason too. A British pub institution here now, J&R first started as a deli bistro in the suburb of Sri Hartamas in 2005, serving a large variety of sausages, English breakfasts, bacon sandwiches, steaks, and salads. Since then, it’s seen a spike in popularity, with branches popping up in Ampang, Jalan Bangkung (Bangsar), and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah). Although the original bistro deli has developed into a gastropub concept, J&R still dishes out plates of comfort food in a relaxed, casual setting.

We made our way down to their Bukit Damansara outlet where huge oak barrels cleverly double up as tables (complete with bar stools) for those after a more al fresco dining experience, while plush booths line the interiors of the restaurant. Given that it was a scorcher of a day, the lure of air-conditioning was too difficult to resist so we plonked ourselves inside and sipped on refreshing glasses of Strongbow cider while dissecting the varied menu.

J&R’s food sits on the heartier end of the spectrum, paying homage to its British roots. We start off with some baked camembert that was quite frankly, one of the best I’ve had. Thee gooey cheese was served with crusty bread, jam, and pistachios that added quite the crunch.

Having not really sampled a whole lot of British cuisine in my lifetime, I was told that the Crisped black pudding, camembert, and poached egg salad was a must – mainly because I’d never tasted black pudding before. Once its ingredients were revealed, I bit into the falafel-like texture and enjoyed every bit of it. J&R also has the distinction of being the only spot in KL to have black pudding on the menu, which makes them all the more appealing.

Next up were the Hickory Baby Back Ribs, and served with baked potato and coleslaw. A veritable behemoth piece of meat, this dish is best shared between hungry diners. I especially enjoyed the baked potato, complete with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits – finger lickin’ good!

Rounding up the spread was the steak sandwich – simple in name, but full in flavour. Beef slices, grilled onions, and sautéed mushrooms on crusty bread combine together to make a delightful mouthful that isn’t too heavy on the stomach. Dunk your sandwich into some of the horseradish sauce and pickles served on the side for added zing.

For those after some sundowners (especially in this heat!), J&R offers wines from all over the world. They are also home to a large selection of draught and bottled beers, as well as a wide range of spirits and cocktails.

If you’ve got a hankering for some classic British grub, quality tipples, and a chilled-out vibe, you best be headed to your nearest J&R outlet – satisfaction guaranteed.

Source: The Expat Magazine April 2014

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