It’s no secret that I dine frequently at Sid’s Pubs, having a partner working for this chain is one of the reason, the pork burger is another (with cheese and egg, always). But mostly, our friends love the pubs too and we have our frequent ‘mabuk sessions’ there. Of course, this place holds a special memory because it has changed two people’s lives for the better. Yes, talking about Frank and I. Now before all your goosebumps fall to the floor I shall explain why I’m talking about Sid’s: The Christmas Menu.

Sid’s Pubs serve your traditional British fare with a hint of cheekiness, and the Christmas special is no different. For RM55+ you get a 3 course meal plus a half pint of Guinness or a glass of wine. Sounds like a pretty good deal? Read on.

For the entree, you get a Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Garlic croutons.

Soup is decent enough, super smooth, but slightly under seasoned, I fixed it by adding some salt and pepper. Think it would have been nicer with some spices though. I would also suggest for the croutons to be properly toasted as these are slightly soggy.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without turkey. Sid’s version of Roast Turkey comes as a form of Turkey Roulade with chicken liver and chestnut stuffing, served with Roast Potatoes, Brussels’ Sprouts, Carrots, Peas, Cauliflowers and Guinness Gravy infused with Cranberry. What a mouthful (and plateful)!

Where do we even start with this? The turkey, quite succulent and while I don’t usually like stuffing, the chicken liver does add a different dimension to the flavour. Guinness and cranberry gravy is frankly quite ingenious and is a must-try. I wish they use this gravy for their Steak and Kidney pies (as in available all year round!), shall try asking next time. Vegetables were simply sauteed in butter, and the roast potatoes were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Special kudos for making Brussels Sprouts taste good too. Perfecto!

After devouring the whole plate it’s time for the dessert. Guinness and Fruit Christmas Pudding is one of Masterchef Adam Liaw‘s recipe. Here it’s served with a scoop of ice cream and custard.

I have a problem with the custard. It’s on the watery side and there was just too much of it.  But the pudding itself surprised me. The Guinness infused fruits and the spices jump out straightaway, with the right amount of caramelization. Bittersweet, slightly warm, balanced by the ice cream, my type of dessert! I’d say this would be perfect without the custard.

Polished these with a half pint of perfectly poured black stuff, and you have yourself a Merry Guinness!

If you prefer to be adventurous make sure you also try the Christmas cocktails. My favourite is the Candy Cane Tini.

It’s made of Vodka and Peppermint Schnapps, and it’s delicious! I had way too many of these the other night because I tend to forget how dangerous cocktails are. But wouldn’t mind having them again. When will I ever learn?

Now off you go, to one of the 4 pubs.

Sid’s Pub TAMAN TUN DR ISMAIL
34 Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur 60000.

Sid’s Pub BANGSAR SOUTH
M-5A The Village, Bangsar South,
2 Jalan 1/112H, Off Jalan Kerinchi,
Kuala Lumpur 59200.

Sid’s Pub BUKIT TUNKU
H2 Taman Tunku,
Off Langkat Tunku, Bukit Tunku,

Sid’s Pub PLAZA DAMANSARA 
10 Medan Setia 2, Plaza Damasara
Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur 50490