I recently discovered an authentic Italian eatery called the Lavender. It is located on Lavender Hill (hence the name) close to Battersea arts centre and more or less equi-distance from Battersea and Clapham Junction. A short bus ride away from where I live I suggested to the Mr an intimate lunch date at the Lavender. I love to eat out. As much as it is fun to head into central or east London to treat your taste buds, my favourite way to experience food in London is locally.
The Bottom Lunch Concept
Your lunch is 2, 3 or 4 courses. The bottomless element is your drinks. You have a choice of
- Red wine
- White wine
- Processo
- Mimosa
- Bloody Mary
which an additional charge of fifteen pounds per person will be unlimited. The Mr and I enjoy a tipple but a bottomless lunch? At 1’oclock in the afternoon? We weren’t quite sure. Happily we were reassured by the staff that the idea is not to get wasted. The Lavender is not encouraging drinking to excess. If you enjoy good wine with your food, however this is the place for you. The more we thought about it, the more it seemed like a good idea.
How it works.
Rather than compromising over a single bottle of wine, (red vs white) you get to drink the tipple of your choice. I opted for Prosecco (I’m a blogger afterall (!) and the Mr had a very delicious red. Interestingly for an Italian restaurant the house red is an Argentinian Malbec. The staff are very observant and when your drink finishes out of no where another one place on your table. Italian food accompanies good wine (and Prosecco) really well. We enjoyed each our delicious two courses, each other’s company and across the course of my meal 3 glasses of Prosecco. We were not blattered, we did not imbibe cautiously, we drank until we were satiated and enjoyed every sip.
The Food
I have never experienced before but I am keen to have again. Gnocchi Frita is gnocchi dough is fried and salted so you have a slight crunch from the pastry and the rock salt.
The Lavender Platter consisted of a generous helping of dried hams, cheeses and delicious dough balls. It was a generous portion which the Mr helped me finish (side eye)
Say goodbye to the rings of soggy Calamari. A beautifully fresh portion of perfectly grilled Calamari on a bed of burrata. Delicious
Is there anything better then seabass? Cooked perfectly and served on a bed of vegetables.
Hand made egg pasta, perfect al dente with a substantial amount of sizeable prawns and fresh courgette.
The perfect end to a delicious meal. A deconstructed version of the Italian classic. Crumbled pastry, with fresh berries and a dollop of fresh cream.
The food was delicious and we ate very well. Perfectly complimented by the unlimited drinks, friendly but unobtrusive staff and a lovely local location. Bottomless lunch at the Lavender is definitely something that the Mr and I will be repeating.
Things to Note
- Location – 171 Lavender Hill, SW11
- Transport Links – Short walk / bus ride from Clapham Junction and Battersea
- Free Parking – On a weekend there is free parking on the residential side streets nearby
- Wheelchair Accessible – No. You have to have to go up steps to get into the restaurant and the toilets are downstairs.
- Family Friendly – Yes. There is a kids menu and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
PR Opportunity