The Queen & Mangosteen - Gastropub @ VivoCity

I took a day's break from work to run errands and caught up with Nibble & Scribble over a quick lunch at VivoCity. I'd heard briefly about The Queen & Mangosteen from C and Joone but had never been there myself as I'm rarely in that area. I was most impressed by the massive menu board at the entrance largely because of the colourful drawings of a crown and a mangosteen.

While waiting for our food, I asked Joone about the strange name. She said that it was supposedly because Queen Victoria was apparently very fond of Mangosteens. Interesting. I guess their intent was to differentiate themselves from other English pubs by giving themselves a posh sounding name to "match" the gourmet pub grub served.

Grilled Brie, Avocado & Portobello Mushroom Sandwich @ S$22
served with Chips

Joone wanted a light meal, so she ordered one of the healthiest options on the menu, a Sandwich of Grilled Brie, Avocado & Portobello Mushroom. The only unhealthy bit about this dish, was the little bucket of golden chips, I like this dish already! This was the first dish to arrive so I nibbled on the chips while waiting for the rest of the dishes. The chips were freshly fried and had a fluffy interior with a crisp exterior. I loved eating them with mustard.

Mixed Seafood Deli Board @ S$26
Fried Whitebait, Beer Battered Fish, Crayfish & Chilled Prawns served with various dips

Foodies dining together are always a dangerous combination, as far as ANY diet plans are concerned. I wanted to try almost everything on the menu but I had to pace myself. There'll be more opportunities to eat at this gastropub in future. Joone mentioned that the Fried Whitebait was good. I wanted to try that as well as the Beer Battered Fish. Oh...whatever, let's try them both and more! We ordered the Mixed Seafood Deli Board.

The Fried Whitebait was good as the batter was crisp, while the juvenile fish were firm and moist. The Beer Battered Fish was absolutely delicious! I loved the light, crisp batter and how it yielded to sweet, succulent chunks of fish. The Beer Battered Fish are definitely a Must-Try! I didn't try the Crayfish and Prawns as I was too lazy to peel them.

The dips that accompanied the dish were (from left to right): Thai Chili Sauce, Curry Tartare, Lemongrass & Chili Aioli and Marie Rose Dip. I liked the Curry Tartare and Lemongrass & Chili Aioli best amongst the 4 dips served. However, in all I still prefer mustard as a complement to fried food.

Bangers & Mash @ S$26 served with Caramelised Onion Gravy & Onion Rings

I couldn't resist ordering Bangers & Mash. I love sausages and mashed potatoes so this dish counts as one of my favourite comfort foods. The Cumberland Sausages were well-grilled with smoky browned surfaces and a savoury, slightly spicy flavour. The mashed potatoes were moist and fluffy. Though I generally do not like thick gravies or onions, I loved the Caramelised Onion Gravy together with the mashed potatoes. The lightly battered Onion Rings that topped the combo were delicious too, especially with mustard and gravy. This is a Must-Try!

I loved their thick napkins. One gripe about this place was the slow service. Not recommended if you're trying to do lunch within 45 minutes.

The Queen & Mangosteen
#01-106/107 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
(close to Lift Lobby E & Lift Lobby F)
Tel: +65 6376-9380
Email: enquiries@queenandmangosteen.com

Operating Hours:
Sundays to Thursdays: 11 am to midnight
Fridays, Saturdays & Eve of Public Holidays: 11 am to 1 am