Comparing Shepherd's Pie across three restaurants — an honest verdict

I ate Shepherd's Pie at three different restaurants in the same week to compare. The results were illuminating. The use of HP sauce varied significantly — only one got it right. The subtly sweet with caramelised elements profile should be consistent but interpretation differs widely.

pub food culture has undergone a renaissance in the gastropub era. The best version came from a traditional seaside chippy, which felt authentic. dry cider was offered at all three but only one knew how to serve it properly. The gap between mediocre and excellent Shepherd's Pie is larger than you'd think.