Ramsey’s newest venture is nestled within what is now locally known to those estate agents as ‘Battersea Village’ (yes, another ‘cutsie’ London estate agent phrase!). It’s that pretty little square you and I zoom through to get to Wandsworth Bridge, when Battersea Bridge is choc-a-block, en route to get North of the river and is full of coffee shops and little local restaurants, none of which I have ever frequented, until last week...
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The building somewhat sticks out as being rather grand amidst the slightly older establishments and once inside it’s apparent that this is a fine dining establishment with added atmosphere and a cavernous one at that. On Wednesday we arrived to a busy, buzzing bar area and a pretty much full restaurant. It was apparently a ‘locals night’ event that gave a vibrant ambience, which I hope continues.
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Once seated, we were offered an aperitif of which I chose a delicious peach Bellini. He, a beer and we were left to our own devices for just enough time to discuss, at length, which of the ‘British sourced, market style’ 6 starters and 6 mains we were going to have. Along with some home made sourdough bread and the oh-so-trendy and very much 'of the moment' churned butter.
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We were then brought some delicious arancini to nibble on as a pre starter which, we think, were butternut squash – correct me if I’m wrong LH! Crisp on the outside and oozing buttery risotto yumminess on the inside.
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Our first courses then kicked off our meal with a flying start...
Ribbon thin, lamb carpaccio, for him, served with a celeriac and parmesan puree and kale potato.
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Crab tortellini, black radish in a shellfish broth, for me, which turned out to be three delicate little dumplings filled with plenty of fresh white crab meat bobbing around in a wonderful flavour-rich clear broth - de-lish!
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We were then sent a mid-course of their succulent pig head croquette served with a pickled carrot salad, quail egg and caper mayo. A really great contrast of sharp and sweet with each mouthful.
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Recently, I seem to be really enjoying pork and London House’s belly with crackling hit the nail on the head... perfectly cooked (unfatty - BIG thumbs up!) belly had the most incredibly thin and crispy crackling I have had in a long time, extreme brownie points here...This was served with an apple puree and sadly, a rather small amount of lentils as an accompaniment –although they did compliment the dish well I just wish there was a little more so you had enough to have a little with each mouthful of the pork.
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He had the Seam Bream, broccoli purée and cockles.
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For pudding we shared the nougatine parfait with rhubarb which was the perfect amount of sweetness to finish off the evening. Gloriously chewy, wickedly sweet, it was delicious. And, for once in my life, I actually enjoyed rhubarb... that lovely vibrant dollop of sauce was, to die for!
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Petit fours then followed and near to bursting we had to call it a night. London House completely exceed our expectations I have no idea why it's taken us this long to make it here. I admit, the location isn't the easiest for people to get to. Nor would many be familiar with it. But, if you're after a fine dining evening with a bit of atmosphere then L.H is your ticket (perfect in-law treating kinda place...without totally breaking the bank!). The staff were exceptional, venue buzzing and the food was utterly delicious. Be sure to head over early doors for a pre-dinner cocktail, by the fire, and let your evening unfold...
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