Indies Pub, located on Holborn Road in New Kingston, is exactly how it's named. Unlike a couple of years ago, when the interior was rundown and shabby, a facelift has given the place the aesthetic kudos that was missing. Deep-red drapes adorn the walls, glass and metal cocktail tables are assembled in the main area in front of the bar, café tables are scattered in the quaint nooks and crannies, and two oversized sofa sets are placed in their own private little sections. Flat-screen television sets, lending themselves to sports fans, are strategically situated for all patrons to enjoy, and the low-lighting compliments their purpose.
Misses the point
Unfortunately, the manager misses the point of the latter at times, blaring loud dancehall and rap music from one set, while diners try to conduct an informal business meeting during lunch. If you're going there in the evening, this setting would be appropriate, and even if it's to watch a match in the day, then by all means you would appreciate the volume of the commentators. However, more thought and discretion, for who the clientele is at the time, need to be considered.
The food is carelessly put together. The chef's shish kebab speciality, with strips of lamb, onion and sweet pepper, practically cemented on wooden skewers, is a farce. How can the meat be overcooked and the vegetables underdone? It doesn't taste like they were grilled together at all. Isn't that the point of kebabs? I'm not sure which is worse, the tough and chewy baby sheep or the slightly warmed chunks of raw veggies. One's teeth and jaw are sure to get a workout worthy of 'Mr. Motivator'!!
The French fries arrive hot, but soggy. A pan of bubbling oil would fix this problem, but stick to a good dose of salt sprinkled on top rather than reaching for the ketchup. Opening every single bottle I could get my hands on was like releasing the aluminium caps off sprite cans ... psssssss. And once you take a look at the contents, through the glass, you'll see that something's not quite right. Why would it resemble a rising sponge cake? I won't mention the brand that's used, just in case what's inside is out of a bulk package belonging to a different company.
The pita pockets are almost as disastrous, with stale bread encasing spoons full of tuna-flavoured mayonnaise, or cubes of ketchup-soaked chicken. Is it the same tomato-based condiment? Excuse me for my bewilderment but, aren't we, as a nation, supposed to know how to season our feathered friends?
Whatever faults I've discussed above cannot even touch the crab backs. Appetisingly rested on a plate, one might start salivating at first sight. But looks are deceiving. I have three words for you: DO NOT EAT!
Nicely cooked fish
OK, I have to be fair. You do redeem yourself with the steamed snapper, pumpkin, okra and carrots. It is very nicely cooked fish, sitting in enough gravy to keep it all moist, without giving it a chance to swim away. And the rice and peas is tasty enough to eat on its own - not the usual dried out grains that one tends to find at some eateries.
All the same, I'm not rushing back there anytime soon for a meal, but I'd probably add it to my list of bars in which to drink with the boys. Lewis Carroll's story had Alice obeying the command, "Eat me". I think he'd say the opposite to her of this joint, "Drink me, don't eat me".
Indies Pub & Grill
8 Holborn Road, New Kingston
Telephone: 920-5913, 926-7627,
929-5713
Opening Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. 10 p.m.
Look to spend:
Average $1500-$2000 on two courses
