If you think this review of Fitzy’s Loganholme sounds similar to one of our earlier judgements, it is true that I have previously provided an account of Fitzy’s Waterford.
However, it’s worth noting that there is a stark difference in the atmosphere at each venue, and that the menus do have differences.
When you arrive through the front doors at Loganholme, it’s hard to believe you’re wedged between busy Bryants Road and the M1.
It’s an after-work vibe here, albeit on a busy Friday night. In the background, a solo artist strums his guitar, quietly making his way through a set of tunes gone by blend seamlessly through a room of growing idle chatter.
Maybe nobody notices, but I note that whoever designed the logo, in all their wisdom, decided to take out the apostrophe, the venue’s website takes an each-way bet, while most blurbs on the interwebs leave the humble punctuation mark in its rightful place.
The internet has long butchered the English language (yes, “who cares!” … I hear you), but I’ll play a small role defending its honour.
One of the quirks of this iteration of Fitzy’s is that there are two menus. There’s a shortened all-day menu which can be served at the bar, and a fuller, deeper menu which is attached to the restaurant.
The kitchen is open, so it’s entertaining to watch the hive of activity as they prepare meals for a full house.
Sports lovers will enjoy the “best of both worlds” play – a substantial menu which lives up to the standards of most restaurants, and televisions in each corner of the room which enable a sneak peek at the football scores.
Staff here are wonderful, helpful and keen to help with a smile. While the small televisions and a casual beer garden might offer up hints of pub-iness (my turn to butcher our mother tongue), the restaurant has a distinctive foodie feel.
Like its cousin a couple of suburbs away, this Fitzy’s has the usual pizzas, burgers, schnitzels and steaks.
It’s the “small bites” sections where there’s a slight point of difference.
Pork belly burnt ends have a rich smoky flavour, scallops are accompanied by a simple mixture of garlic, parsley, butter, lemon and almonds, and lamb kofta or fried haloumi give a middle Eastern touch.
There’s also a charcuterie board or cheese board for those wanting share a starter.
Of the mains, pasta marinara and pork belly with cauliflower, black cabbage and macadamia dukkha are distinct differences.
For dessert, Eton mess pavlova with mixed poached berries, or a chocolate and espresso martini shake with warm jam doughnut are creative additions to the normal pub fare of crumbles, brownies and sticky date.
The restaurant is relaxed and modern.
But it’s hard not to gravitate afterwards to the music which drifts through the beer garden. It’s not a rowdy Sunday afternoon session, rather a casual get-together.
Bravo, Fitzy’s Loganholme. You’re all class.
