"I had always known there was a restaurant in this location, having visited Karczma regularly during its earlier days when it belonged to the Polish social club. Over the years, the restaurant has undergone many changes, including new management, a separation from the Polish club, and an overall refresh of both its decor and menu offerings. The term "Karczma" translates to "inn" or "tavern," and upon entering, guests are greeted by a traditional Polish mountain chalet atmosphere complete with silver birch trees, wooden carvings, and crocheted doilies. The seating comprises sturdy wooden benches adorned with soft fleece covers, contributing to a warm and cozy ambiance, which is enhanced by contemporary Polish music playing throughout the space.
The clientele primarily consists of adult groups, but families with children are also welcomed. As appetizers included with the meal, patrons receive crusty bread, szmalec (a type of pork fat spread), and whole pickles—homegrown rather than jarred. Guests can help themselves from a table that is already set with these items as soon as they place their orders. Szmalec (pronounced “Schmalets”) is a traditional dish in Poland and parts of Eastern Europe but may be unfamiliar to British palates. Since szmalec is not vegetarian, I opted for just the bread and pickles, which were a perfect way to bridge the gap while waiting for our meals to arrive, as service is quite prompt.
During my visit, I dined with a group of meat-eating friends, also of Polish descent, who all chose the placek po zbójnicku. This dish features beef stew and mushrooms nestled in a potato pancake, served with a colorful salad. The portions were generous, and diners praised the tenderness of the beef and the crispiness of the pancakes. As the designated vegetarian of the group, I usually opt for the pierogi, which are similar to ravioli filled with various ingredients such as cauliflower, mushrooms, or a Russian variation featuring potatoes. However, on this occasion, I chose placki (pronounced “place-ki”), which are baked potato pancakes served with sour cream. I received three large, thick pancakes accompanied by a small pot of sour cream and a salad garnish. The pancakes were cooked to a beautiful golden color and were both filling and tasty, although I felt that two pancakes with a larger salad or some additional vegetables would have been a better way to serve the dish.
The vegetarian options on the menu could be misleading and would benefit from a review. The "V" symbol, designating vegetarian dishes, appears next to fish-based meals, which would not be suitable for strict vegetarians. As a regular patron, I would love to see more vegetarian Polish dishes on the menu, such as vegetarian bigos (cabbage stew) or golabki (cabbage rolls filled with rice), or even a vegetarian version of placek po zbójnicku, which would all be great alternatives.
For dessert, traditional Polish options like szarlotka (apple cake) and sernik (cheesecake) showcase the best of Polish cuisine. I enjoyed the szarlotka, which is served with either cream or ice cream. This cake features a base layer of cake topped with roasted apples and a crumbly topping. There are also more generic options available, such as ice cream and sweet pancakes.
A range of soft and alcoholic beverages is offered, with Polish beer (Zywiec) dominating the ale selections. Other alcoholic options include a variety of spirits and wines, focusing on specialty vodkas, which are recognized as Poland's national drink. Notable vodka choices include Żubrówka (rye vodka best served with apple juice) and Wiśniówka (cherry liqueur, ideal for shots). Hot drinks, including Polish-style black tea with a slice of lemon, are also available.
While prices have increased somewhat recently, the dishes remain competitively priced given the central location, generous portion sizes, and the home-cooked style of the meals. I do feel the desserts could be priced slightly lower to encourage more diners to try them. Sample prices include:
- Pierogi (filled dumplings) £7.20
- Placki (fried potato pancakes) £7.20
- Placek po zbójnicku (beef stew and mushrooms with potato pancakes) £14.00
- Szarlotka (Polish apple cake) £5.50
- Sernik (cheesecake) £5.20
Overall, Karczma is a unique establishment ideal for enjoying authentic Polish cuisine, serving well-prepared, rustic meals with vegetarian options. With the addition of a few more vegetarian dishes and more detailed descriptions of them on the menu, Karczma could come even closer to perfection."
