Rapsa’s new Gastropub, The Rampling Pig by Rapsa, is bringing crowd favourites from its famed headquarters in Hoxton in London to a new crowd in Ewell Village in Surrey. Our experience visiting the quirky & cool new eatery was fabulous from start to finish.
And of all the reviews we are fortunate to do here at Surrey Rocks Magazine, this Filipino fusion restaurant has been one of the finest. Read on to find out why….
OUR EXPERIENCE
We arrived at 5pm on a glorious, sunny Saturday afternoon in August and were greeted by two of the most charming and vivacious staff members. Big shout out to general manager Kerry Pritchard & assistant manager Attiyah Alleyne who made our dining experience so memorable and fun.
Having not realised our gastronomy review was arranged until a few hours earlier that day – Kerry & Attiyah were prepping (and even gardening to the max!) to ensure our visit was a pleasurable one…. And it so was.
We opted to sit in the newly coiffed, al fresco brick-walled garden at the back of the restaurant with gorgeous Tikki style umbrellas, Filipino flags and quaint pig decorations throughout.
We were handed the most impressive cocktail menu with superb Rapsa-style twists on the classics including ‘Lychee & Grapefruit Martini’, ’Cherry Coke Old Fashioned’ and ‘Santiago Negronis’. We decided to go for the nod to the Harry Styles song, ‘Watermelon Sugar High’ which was perfect for this hot Summer’s day consisting of Vodka, Aperol, Watermelon, Elderflower and Prosecco. Delicious and so light and refreshing.
Next up, we went for the house special ‘Flying Pig’ with Woodforde Reserve Bourbon, Kumquat Honey, Angostura and Chicharron – it was a taste explosion, perfectly hitting both the sweet and sour tastebuds – a must try.
The ‘Devil’s Tear Bloody Mary’ was the perfect blend of Horseradish Vodka, Chilli Sauce, Jalapeno Salt, Lemon & Tomato Juice. Like its Styles predecessor – this was a hit maker with our tasters too.
Next up (Yep, we even thought that!) we sampled a beautiful ‘Hibiscus Margarita’ containing Tequila, Hibiscus Syrup, Lime served in a Jalapeno salt- rimmed glass. The colours and flavours of this cocktail were immense alongside the kick from the spicy salt rim made it our fave of the day.
And finally, our rather large drinks order was finished two of the finest shots of ‘Don Pappa’ – a rum infused shot which totally hit the spot.
All this while enjoying the ambience of a fun-filled garden with the exuberant staff and surrounding guests including locals Naomi and Barry, who were on their third visit to the Rambling Pig By Rapsa and couldn’t sing the venues praises enough, while they enjoyed their alfresco dining meal of ‘Steak & Tuna Tartares’ expertly washed down with a few classic Mojitos.
THE FINEST FILIPINO FUSION FOOD
Filipino-Fusion Fantastique.
Across all Rapsa’s menus are an array of flavours from garden, land and sea. Their a la carte menu is centred around sharing plates and enjoyed at all times of the day.
You can also enjoy great starters such as ‘Crumbled Halloumi Fingers’ served with their signature banana ketchup and ‘Crispy Chicken Pulutan’ which comes with Korean chilli sauce and togarashi. The halloumi fingers were cooked perfectly with that perfect crunch, oozing cheese centre and the banana/ketchup dipping sauce was sweet but not overpowering. The chicken pulutan strips were delicious too and a very generous portion size.
The best menu choice of the day was the main dish of ‘King Prawns with Baboong XO Sauce with Blitzed Pork and Sesame’ – huge, succulent and plentiful prawns in a tangy and spicy sauce. Devine.
The ‘Duck & Mungoo Guisado’ with mung daal puree, torched onions, muringa leaves and coco milk was perfection. Succulent, slow cooked meat served with the brightest, tastiest and tangiest of sauces. We were blown away with this dish and its presentation.
Next up, was the last main of ‘Slow Roasted Lechon’ a crispy pork belly with atchara and tamarind kalamansi. Slow cooked to perfection for 8 hours the meat was so soft and tender and literally melted in the mouth. This was also the chef’s favourite dish and one of the most popular on the menu according to staff. We knew we were onto a winner straight away.
The only dish that we were recommended to try by front of house manager, Aaron, but did not order (saving for our next visit!) was the vegetarian ‘Roasted Cauliflower Salad’ which comes with coconut yoghurt, capers, coconut flakes and dijon mustard. Yum. We will be back soon to test for sure!
ROASTS & BOODLES
On Sundays you can bask in the glory of the Lord’s day of rest with sumptuous roast beef served with beef dripping potatoes, whipped wasabi cream, Yorkshires, sprouting broccoli and heavenly 10-year-old Laphraoig Whisky smoky gravy. It is easy to tell The Rambling Pig By Rapsa are experts in carvery, flavour combinations and making cosy allowances for the veggies with their ‘Veggie Roast’ proving just as popular as the main meat dishes. Book in early to avoid disappointment.
Plus, get ready to get to know ‘The Famous Rapsa Boodle Fight’ – a feast platter for sharing with your friends and family. Available every Saturday from 12-3pm (or upon request). You can order a ‘Meat Boodle’ consisting of Lumpia Spring Rolls, Ukoy Fritters, Torta Talong Eggplant, Crispy Chicken Pulutan and
Oxtail Kare Croquettes with all the rice and vegetable trimmings for only £24 per person. Or the ‘Meat & Fish Boodle’ for £29 per person comes with the added extra Salmon Kilawin and Tilapia dishes. If sweet treats are your thing you can order the ‘Boodle Sharing Dessert Platter’ consisting of Bibingka, Mango Float, Biko Sticky Rice Pudding and Maja Blanca for only £24 per person.
KARAOKE PARTIES
You can now book one of Rambling Pig’s 2 private dining area for Karaoke fun to sing to your hearts content. Available for dinner& parties, there is also filming of live sessions and performances if you want. From only £40 per hour gives you the whole room and full use of the Karaoke set up. Fill it up with your friends and order food/drinks as you go or pre-order one of their fabulous ‘Party Sharing Menus.’
The ‘Private Dining Room’ has an 18 person capacity while the neighbouring ‘Rapsa Lounge Room’ seats up to 14 guests. There are cool, low dining tables and seating, board games and party food menus that can fuel your hangout. A must try experience.
IN SUMMARY
Lucky guests at Rambling Pig By Rapsa can enjoy award-winning delicious Filipino Fusion Food plates, Weekend Boodle Fights, Draught Beer, Great Cocktails, 2 Private Dining & Karaoke Rooms and a Stunning Beer Garden. They also offer 2 for £15 midweek cocktail offers Wednesday to Sunday. Check out their latest menu with delicious dishes including ‘Chicken Adobo with Steamed Rice & Atchara Pickle’, ‘Vegetarian Ginataan Curry’ and their famous ‘Halloumi Fries with Banana Ketchup’. We loved every minute of it and will be back soon. Thanks to Andrew the owner of Rapsa and Donna from AHS Creative who made our dream review come true.
CONTACT
See www.theramblingpig.uk for more details and to make a booking now. Email wallow@theramblingpig.uk or call 0044 7485 959921 to secure your hot seat with the uber cool Rapsa team now.
