Garden Gate

Time Out says

Tue Nov 30 1999

With its white walls, black wood and the Heath all but on the doorstep, there’s a touch of Tudor court about The Garden Gate. The jester roles are taken by the casual staff (all faded band T-shirts and good-natured banter) and in place of the suckling pig we have the marginally less noble Big Phil’s Grill. Firing up seemingly on Phil’s whim (although if the sun’s shining the tongs are likely to be out), the barbecue fills the Gate’s green-bordered patio with smoky aromas and the occasional bellowed curse. Excellent own-made lamb and beef burgers are the staple fare, with the odd sausage and corn ear tossed on for good measure. It’s all some way from sophistication – but that’s the beauty of a barbecue. The ale offerings vary in selection (London Pride is the only constant of the four on offer) but never quality, and while the wine list might bother the wallet a little, it at least contains some class and character for the price. Should the bane of the British barbecue strike from above, there’s even a sizeable, and heated, undercover area from where you can admire Phil’s dedication as the rains come down.