Once there was Monster Mash. Situated slap in the middle of studentsville on Forrest Road, Monster Mash was the greasy spoon you could feel OK about visiting. Popular with students, families, students, tourists and students, it served up what is colloquially known as “good old fashioned nosh” at knockdown fill-me-up prices. Good quality burgers and chips, pies of the fish and shepherds variety, haggis with neeps and tatties and, hence the name, several different permutations of sausages with mash.
But recently some kind of schism has taken place on Forrest Road. Monster Mash has had its brand, ethos, and even its very identity stolen and transplanted just a few doors up the street into much larger premises. Who knows what legal shenanigans have been going on in the name of sausage and mash, but the upshot is the original Monster Mash has now taken to trading under the name of Mums, offering “good, comfort food”. Basically, it’s exactly the same as it used to be but with a new name.
As with Monster Mash, Mums is extremely family friendly. It’s best not to come here for refined peace and quiet. Noise and bustle is everywhere. If you’re dining alone, bring a paper or book and relax into the hectic café ambience.
The starters are as retro as it gets (yep, prawn cocktail), but make pleasant little nostalgic nods to our shared pasts. Mains are all solid, workmanlike grub but if you’re here for anything, then it’s sausages.
Sourced from family-run butchers O’Hagans, these are all meaty, beaty, big and bouncy. You can choose from a straightforward pork banger or choose from the three daily specials, which could be anything from chorizo to beef and ale. There are also two daily vegetarian sausage specials. Mash comes in three states, either plain, with mustard or as Irish champ, perfect for soaking up the gravy spill washing around your bowl.
There’s nothing fancy about Mums (as you’ve probably guessed), but it’s an absolute winner if some filling stodge is needed inside before you rush off to your next rendezvous.