Foresters Arms, or Forries as it is commonly known, is a Newlands landmark, having been built as an inn in 1880, as a halfway station between Cape Town and Simonstown. With its English Tudor style building, I chose it as the pub to watch the England versus Slovenia match.
I had not been to Forries since an Ikeys/Maties Intervarsity rugby match about 35 years ago, and it felt as if the interior of the pub had not changed one bit since then! It comes across as a goldmine, into which no money has been re-invested for years, at least not as far as its decor goes. Its wagon-wheel lamps, black and white photographs of the original inn, its wooden benches and tables, set up school-wise so that one sees the backs of the persons in front of one, and old-fashioned menu design all date the pub. I was disappointed with the lack of “gees’ of the predominantly England supporters, even though the pub had lots of flags up outside the building, the staff wore soccer shirts (the only pub visited that showed its World Cup spirit in this way), and England was winning.
In addition to the very extensive menu, a reduced World Cup laminated menu is presented. The reduced menu offers 200 gram baskets of crumbed mushrooms for R 47, and barbeque ribs for R 43, and a 250 gram basket of peri-peri chicken wings for R 40. A 250 gram “super rump” steak sounds good value at R 78, while three wrap choices cost around R 60. A Moroccan chicken salad costs R 58. I saw some patrons order chips, probably the most popular item on the menu, which cost R 17/R34.
The main menu, whilst offering varied choices, almost seems overdone, especially as I hardly saw anyone eating during or before the match. It offers every possible food type, starting with breakfast options ranging from R 28 – R 49; eight starters range from R 35 – R 58, and include chicken livers, mussels, springbok carpaccio; all steaks are 250 gram, and the most expensive is the fillet steak at R 135, not inexpensive at that price. Salads range in price from R58 – R 65, and it is surprising there is such a choice available, given that most patrons I saw were male. Fourteen pizza options are offered, the most expensive being a Figaro Pizza (bacon, blue cheese, and figs). I had the pizza with a mushroom, asparagus and avocado topping, and was extremely disappointed – I could not taste the asparagus, yet tasted something in a sauce, covered in cheese. It tasted most unappetising, and was not attractive either, yet cost R 68. Fish and chips cost R 60. Schnitzel, chilli steak and steak rolls are also available. As if this is not enough choice, they have a section called “A la carte” – was the rest of the menu not that already? – with a mix-match of Gourmet Karoo Lamb Burger (R65), calamari strips, tiger prawns (8 for R 135), steak and kidney pie, chicken pie, mussels, gammon steak, green chicken curry and pork ribs. A carvery at R 95 is another option, but is only served on Sundays and public holidays. The manager told me that the steak and kidney pie, the Forries pizza and their burgers are by far the most popular menu items.
The winelist is introduced as follows: “The wines we have selected have also been accredited by the Platter Wine Guide”. One cannot imagine anyone drinking other than beer at Forries, but they do sell some very inexpensive wines by the glass (R18 for Robertson Chapel white and rose), Savanha Chardonnay costs R 22, and Spier Cabernet Sauvignon and Barista cost R 35 each. John B wines cost R23. But Forries also stocks Moet et Chandon at R 700; Simonsig and Graham Beck sparkling wine at around R 200; Spier Private Cellar shiraz costs R 230. Corkage is charged at R 30.
“Forries offers the largest selection of draught beer in the Cape”, according to the winelist, and its 500ml Amstel and Windhoek cost R20,50; Castle costs R18,50; Hansa R18; Mitchels R20; Peroni R22,50; Pilsner Urquell R24,50; and Guinness R25,50 – these prices are very good value compared to bottled beers served at other pubs. The quantity of beer is not specified nor requested when ordering, and I was only told afterwards that a 330ml size was available for all the draught beers.
It is hard to imagine what attracts clients to Forries, other than the tradition of going there from varsity days, good parking availability, and its good value and range of draught beer. It cannot be the food (the worst of all the pubs to date) nor the decor. I rated it luke-warm on World Cup “gees”, and nothing would drag me back to Forries again.
Foresters Arms, 57 Newlands Avenue, Newlands. Tel 021 689-5949. No website, but www.forries.co.za will go live in “about a month”!
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com
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Woah! Sounds like the menu is heavy!
I remember going to watch the rugby at Forries a couple of weeks ago and it was a great atmosphere!
We ended up having a plate of chips because, as students, most of the meals are just a bit too much expensive for our pockets.
Have to admit though, I kinda like they’ve stuck to the old school vibe – brings back memories from when I used to go there with my mom as a kid.
Cool, review though! Pity England are out now – Go Ghana (and if not Spain)
Jade