Pho
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86 St John St, Londonm EC1M 4EH
t: 020 7253 7624
w: phocafe.co.uk
A few weeks back I had the pleasure of meeting Juliette and Stephen Wall, the lovely owners of the “Pho” chain.
I had my first encounter with Pho a couple of years ago as an eager colleague dragged my whole team to their first restaurant in Clerkenwell for what he insisted would be a relatively cheap, but filling and tasty lunch… And right he was!
Since then Pho St. John street has become a regular haunt of mine to ease away the lunch hour on the days that a sandwich or a salad are just not enough.
It was therefore that I only too gladly accepted the invitation to meet the chain’s founders and try my way through their menu – A perfect opportunity to understand it better as I always seem to order the same thing over and over again!
But the evening resulted in something else… I heard Jules’ and Stephen’s story and the insight into how and why they founded the restaurant endeared it to me even more – From their words, the eagerness with which they share their work and stories and the glint in their eyes one cannot do anything, but just like Pho and what they offer even more.
Both working in media, they decided to give everything up a few years ago and go travelling before deciding what to do with their lives next. The result? A list of project ideas one stranger than the other; a melting pot of the experiences and ideas collected whilst travelling.
Luckily (for them AND for us!) they decided to settle for a Vietnamese themed restaurant, something that would allow them to bring back to cold and grey London a little flavour from this beautiful country.
And that’s how it was… Pho was opened in Clerkenwell in 2005… 4 branches later they’re still here!
Now, I might not be an expert in Vietnamese food, but I can tell you if the food is fresh, tastes good and fills you and all the food I have tasted at Pho ticks the boxes.
I’m a big fan of their bun – rice noodles served at room temperature with a pouring sauce that can be either regular or spicy, mixed with shredded salad, peanuts and your choice of meat or tofu. As per Stephen’s recommendation I’m going with their own version of surf ‘n turf mixing fat and juicy king prawns and steak marinated with lemongrass. Divine.
Next on my list the summer rolls. Any kind! Their light texture and refreshing bite are perfect for a light and healthy lunch that will still leave you satisfied.
And if you are not entirely convinced then go for Goi – Crispy and flavoursome salads that will leave you wanting more.
And more.
And more.
And… You get the picture.
Will I be going back? I think that after 2 years there’s no doubt about it. Do I recommend it to others? Well, if you are near a branch and feeling peckish, definitely.
P.S. And to prove how nice they are, Stephen and Jules have shared with us one of their favourite recipes. Check it out here!
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Hi,
I’ve eaten at a Pho chain restaurant once. Never again. The stock which is the real base of a good Pho was just warm and really had no flavour at all.
The noodles were not cooked enough and were kinda raw, the meat was of a low standard.
There are a so many better places selling pho in Vietnamland in the East, why bother with this bad makeover.
Never again.
.-= Dave´s last blog ..Foto Friday =-.
@ Dave – Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your meal at Pho.
I have been a lot in the past 3 years as it’s just round the corner from my office and not once have I been disappointed with the quality of food.
I have always found it good for a quick lunch with colleagues or friends in the area.
Maybe give their Bun or delicious salads a chance?