Empty Nest Mummy

When I first started thinking about writing a review of the new Bluegrass BBQ Smokehouse in Windsor, it was going to be as an ‘also ate at…’ in a post on a trip to Windsor Castle. But, and apologies to Her Majesty The Queen here, it deserves to be far more than a footnote to a post about her gaff.

On the subject of Her Majesty’s gaff, this is right across the road from Bluegrass. Really right across the road. You can dine with a great view of Windsor Castle from your table. (A proper view, not a ‘you-can-see-it-if-you-contort-your-neck-and-squint-through-an-alleyway view like in a set of estate agent’s details.) In fact, you’ve got an amazing view of it from the second floor.

And now Her Maj has an amazing view of Bluegrass from her window! And I rather suspect her life is going to improve immeasurably for it.

Initially, our day trip plan was to leave early, head straight to Windsor Castle and then stop for lunch later.

But, as often happens with the best laid plans of mice and men, Empty Nest Mummy’s half-arsed plans went awry. Northern Dad got distracted by a work email and I decided I had to wait for the washing to finish before we could leave. (After all, nobody wants their clothes smelling like fusty old dogs from being left in the machine too long, do they?)

And then, naturellement, Big Boy and Littlest Angel both needed a poo just as we were finally ready to set off.

The combination of tardy departure and heavy traffic meant we got parked up in Windsor at the wrong time. With two small-ish kids in tow, the wrong time is anything approaching a mealtime.

As we walked up towards Windsor Castle, we were already fielding questions about when it was going to be lunchtime. Bad luck if you’re about to drag small kids around a place where they can look but not touch.

And that’s when our luck changed. We noticed Bluegrass BBQ Smokehouse right across the road from us. And it was their opening day, so no queue. Perfect!

Now, I’ll admit that I did have some reservations about eating at a smokehouse. There’s one just around the corner from us in London and we’ve never been. Ever.

I’m vegetarian.

Littlest Angel barely tolerates meat.

Northern Husband & Big Boy are utter carnivores. They love meat. Can’t get enough of the stuff.

So, you can see that a smokehouse has never really been high on our list of places to go.

But Bluegrass BBQ Smokehouse was right in front of us and the kids were moaning about hunger. The planets had aligned and thrust a vegetarian into a smokehouse.

And, boy, am I glad they did. I knew it was the right place for us the minute the door opened. We were greeted really warmly and enthusiastically by our waitress. They were playing Johnny Cash tunes. And we got a table with a great view of Windsor Castle. Tick. Tick. Tick.

We got there in time to order from the brunch menu, which was perfect for a vegetarian. And for a fussy little girl. We ladies both ordered a stack of fruit themed pancakes, mine with blueberries and blueberry jam; hers a short stack from the Kids’ Breakfast menu, with bananas and ice cream.

The fellas went, predictably, for meat with their pancakes. Sausage, bacon and pulled pork for Northern Husband; a short stack with sausage and bacon for Big Boy.

And, as this is an American-themed joint, we each had a cute little pot of Maple Syrup on the side. And there was a great selection of BBQ sauces, which the chaps tried with their carnivorous fluffy pancakes.

Now, I’m not generally a fan of pancakes. And only had American Pancakes for the first time the day before as the kids and I made them at home.

But these pancakes were something else. Divine. Really light and fluffy and fresh. And delicious with the blueberry jam and a drizzle of maple syrup. And with a coffee. A really good black coffee.

While we were there, we took a look at the Lunch & Dinner menu too. The boys were salivating over the sound of back ribs, brisket and burgers. Especially over the ‘Pig Out Platter’. A sharing platter like that might truly be a test for our ‘Sharing is Caring’ philosophy.

And, much to the surprise of a vegetarian in a smokehouse, there were a few tasty options for me. Quite a few actually. I think I’d struggle to choose between the Smoked Portobello Burger, the Big V Chilli and the Mac ‘n Cheese, perhaps with a side order of Corn on the Cob.

We also imagined a night without kids, and perhaps with some friends in tow, and took a look at the drinks menu. There’s a great selection of beers, craft beers and whiskies, plus wine and some interesting-sounding alcoholic floats.

So, go with kids and have a great time.

Or, ditch the kids, go with a group of friends, order some ‘hard floats’ and some platters and have a smokin’ time!

(And, as a courtesy to Her Majesty The Queen, head on to Windsor Castle afterwards. But, if you see her, don’t forget to tell her how great Bluegrass BBQ & Smokehouse is!)

(And deepest apologies, Your Majesty, but you and your castle are now just a footnote at the bottom of a review for a restaurant. I hope you’ll feel a bit better about it if I put a picture of your house here.)