Pizza is probably one of the most available categories of food on the high street. People love to eat pizza and operators love the profit margins they can make on it. So it was not a surprise when Jamie Oliver decided to jump on the gravy train with his Union Jack's concept. In order to give it a different packaging to all the Zizzi's, Ask, Pizza Express and a endless number of other chain restaurant on the high street a British theme was chosen. The concept is based on wood-fired 'flatbreads' with Great British flavours, using British produce that has been locally sourced. Unimpressed, I have avoided this place since it's opening. Having thought that the place would go bust and Oliver would file it away as a crap idea, I recently read that a second unit was due to open in Chiswick. Driven by curiosity I decided to give it a try. Union Jack's ticks all the right boxes of what is trendy this year, such as reclaimed furniture, open show kitchen and locally sourced produce. The pink features of the interior are rather a matter of taste, but overall a good looking and welcoming space with a lovely display of food at the entrance to get you in the mood.
The place was fairly packed, but staff were well on top with a bit of spare time to chat to you. No faults here either. All staff were friendly, chatty and very helpful. service was swift and efficient. The menu was well structured with a decent selection of starters and Flat bread, but only 2 main courses of which the beef dish was not available. A alternative sausage dish was offered instead.Not being very keen on chicken nor sausages, I went for the 'Red Ox' flat bread, which consistent of a flat bread topped with slow braided short rib, red Leicester cheese, watercress and fresh horseradish. I had fairly low expectations of the British style 'Pizza', but have to admit it that it wasn't to bad. The dough was fluffy and chewy. The base was heavenly crisp and the toppings worked well. In particular the Horseradish provided a nice bit of sharpness to contrast with the richness of the braised short rip. I never been a big fan of red leicester and the cheese added little in terms texture or flavour.
The sticky treacle tart on display at the entrance looked appetising and did not disappointed flavour wise. The tart arrived warm and the orange sour cream added a lovely freshness.
I still haven't made my mind up of what to think of Jamie Oliver's newest venture. Although I want to dislike it from the depth of my heart, I can't really find anything to moan about. It's not the most creative concept and you won't get a culinary adventure. However, if you are starving and in the area give it a shot. It's not to bad.
