A Victorian Evening Meal at 221B Baker Street, with Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson

 

Step back in time and imagine yourself at 221B Baker Street, where the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson are about to enjoy a hearty evening meal prepared by the ever-reliable Mrs Hudson. 

In the cosy glow of the gaslight, the dining table is set with fine china and polished silverware, ready for an exquisite Victorian feast. Here’s a menu that captures the essence of the era, perfect for a meal worthy of Holmes and Watson.

Starter: Potted Shrimp

This classic Victorian starter is both simple and elegant. Potted shrimp, a delicacy of the time, consists of small, spiced shrimp set in butter and served with freshly baked bread.

Ingredients:

450g brown shrimp, peeled

225g unsalted butter

1 teaspoon ground mace

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

A pinch of cayenne pepper

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Melt the butter in a pan over low heat.

Add the spices and seasonings, stirring until well combined.

Mix in the shrimp and cook gently for 2-3 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to small pots or ramekins, pressing down to pack the shrimp tightly.

Chill until set. Serve with warm bread.

Main Course: Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and Seasonal Vegetables

A staple of British cuisine, roast beef served with Yorkshire pudding is a meal that exudes comfort and tradition.

Ingredients for the Roast Beef:

1.5 kg beef rib roast

2 tablespoons olive oil

Sea salt and black pepper

2 sprigs of rosemary

4 cloves of garlic, crushed

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C).

Rub the beef with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place the beef in a roasting tin with rosemary and garlic.

Roast for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C (fan 160°C) and cook for an additional 20 minutes per 500g for medium-rare.

Let the beef rest before carving.

Ingredients for Yorkshire Pudding:

200g plain flour

3 large eggs

300ml milk

100ml beef dripping or sunflower oil

Instructions:

Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (fan 200°C).

Mix the flour, eggs, and milk into a smooth batter.

Heat the dripping in a muffin tin until smoking hot.

Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and risen.

Seasonal Vegetables:

Roasted potatoes, carrots, and parsnips

Steamed green beans and peas

Dessert: Treacle Tart with Clotted Cream

For dessert, Mrs Hudson would serve a traditional treacle tart, its sweet and tangy flavour perfectly complemented by a dollop of clotted cream.

Ingredients:

225g shortcrust pastry

400g golden syrup

150g fresh breadcrumbs

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Clotted cream to serve

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan 170°C).

Roll out the pastry and line a tart tin.

Mix the syrup, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, juice, and ginger.

Pour the mixture into the pastry case.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and the pastry is golden.

Serve warm with clotted cream.

After-Dinner Delights:

After such a splendid meal, Holmes and Watson might retire to the drawing-room for coffee, a selection of fine cheeses, and perhaps a glass of port, or cognac. The conversation would likely turn to their latest case, with Holmes's keen mind already deducing the next move.

This Victorian menu not only offers a taste of history but also a glimpse into the comforting, hearty meals that would have fuelled the adventures of one of literature’s most iconic duos. Whether you’re a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories or simply appreciate a good British meal, this menu is sure to delight.