£6 Hot Dogs make the perfect lunch offering at Fuggles

Three months ago, I published a post that begged the question “Is a cheap and cheerful pub lunch too much to ask for? It was a straightforward question, and a genuine one at that, but it stemmed from a desire to find a pub selling simple, but solid pub fayre, such as a cheese roll, a slice of pork pie, or even a charcuterie/cheese selection. It was a genuine cry from the heart against the inexorable rise of the gourmet pub, with its tarted-up fancy sandwiches smothered in rocket leaves, or a handful of potato crisps. Such fancy offerings often lead to a doubling in price of a simple roll or sandwich.

The post attracted over 30 comments, a number that is a rare event for the blog, and whilst most commentators were in agreement, there was the odd dissenting voice expressing concern that here was someone who is not from the trade, preaching to those who are, and trying to tell them how to run their businesses. My response was that whilst I might not run a pub, although I did run an off-licence for five years, I have been drinking in them for the past fifty years, in numerous locations all over the country. However, given this background, it still isn’t easy to understand where exactly abominations such as the gourmet sandwich appeared from. My quest for something plain, simple and fairly priced continues, and the other week, like a maiden’s prayer, my pleas were answered.

Even better was the fact that salvation came much closer to home than I thought it would, although there is a catch. The catch is that the cut-price offer on the pub in question’s food selection, is only available one day per week. The pub I am referring to is Fuggles Beer Café, or should that be Cafes? As the company operates in both Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, and here is what the chain has to say about its food. “Join us for a bite to eat with one of our highly regarded grilled cheese sandwiches, delicious Hot Dogs or sample some of the tastiest British cheese & charcuterie with one of our sharing boards.”

So simple, tasty and easy to prepare, which is important seeing as neither of the Fuggles Café’s have a proper kitchen. What they do have, is a food preparation area behind the bar, and this is where toasties, hot dogs and charcuterie boards are put together, in full view of the customer. Hot dogs are the star attraction for me, especially as they contain a Bratwurst in a brioche bun (vegetarian Brats are available, for those so inclined). Then there is a range of different toppings or sauces to accompany. Prices range from £7.25 for a “naked” dog, up to £9.00 for something a little more fancy.

Moderately expensive, especially when compared to a £2.50 Midlands cheese cob, but all-day Thursday, Fuggles run a promotion on their hot dogs, retailing them at just £6.00 each, a price that applies to all the dogs, and also includes two extras on the “naked dog.” Game on, and Paul is now able to dine out on Bratwurst and beer, for just over a tenner! What’s more Thursday is a good day for me to call at my local Fuggles, for the following reasons.

“Thor’s day” is where my four-day weekend begins and is one I really look forward to. Furthermore, I have the house to myself that day, as Mrs PBT’s puts in a five-hour stint, looking after the accounts of a local scaffolding company. I drive her over in the morning and then pick her up at 2.30 – I was late today, so a black mark there! After getting few domestic chores out of the way, I like to take a walk down into Tonbridge, withdraw a bit of cash, have a look around the charity shops (I still like to pick up the odd, second-hand CD, or two), do a spot of shopping (my stuff) and then, if there’s time, call in somewhere for a quick pint.  Only the one, mind you, as I have to drive over to the farm-based office where Mrs PBT’s works, and chauffeur her home.

Thursday lunchtime in Fuggles, is quiet and relaxed, or it certainly feels that way between midday and half one. Later in the afternoon, the pub starts to fill up, although the atmosphere is maintained. I expect the time will come, when I will tire of hot dogs, but for the time being, they remain a tasty and reasonably priced lunchtime snack, and the perfect accompaniment to a glass of beer.

I’ve little doubt that serial troll, and juvenile, snide remark expert, Cooking Lager, will try to make some capital out of this short article, but this sad individual needs to grow up, and also be aware that all insulting comments, even if made in jest, will be remove as soon as they are spotted. So if you are reading this CL, don’t waste your time!