Marie Claire's PA to Editor-in-Chief heads to local award-winning restaurant for modern British dining
When the invitation to try Laughing Gravy’s new 2017 menu came in, I jumped the queue with my 'you organised our Christmas work party' award and it was such a treat. Just over a five minute walk away from Marie Claire HQ, with the nearest station being Southwark, we opted for a later table to get a mix of after-work eaters and destination diners at the restaurant's peak time.
Greeted at the door by Joey, the assistant manager, we were shown to our table and welcomed with Waterloo Sunset cocktails which was a concoction of Chase Elderlower liqueur and Portobello Road gin topped with champagne and Chambord.
Considering the head chef has a CV that includes work at The Ivy, Caprice, Bluebird Café and Browns Hotel, the food all looked as decadent as you'd expect. And, the interior is just as elegant with stripped wooden flooring and exposed brickwork. Very New York: think contemporary yet comfortable and cool.
To start we choose the smoked scallop and West Country crayfish scotch egg with roast cauliflower mousseline, pickled cauliflower and crispy seaweedand the wild garlic infused roasted artichoke with borlotti bean dumplings, morel soil and artichoke puree.
The anticipation of both textures and flavours did not leave us disappointed. The artichoke was truly magnificent with a blast of flavour with sweet wild garlic.
For the main, I went for mead and malt glazed lamb shoulder with cheddar and parsnip hash browns, salt baked turnips, glazed carrots, turnips and pistachio puree and lamb jam. And, it wasn't long before I understood why this place is often described as one of London’s best kept dining secrets.
Leaving a little space for dessert, I decided to order the plum, quince, madeira and honey crumble with vanilla ice cream - and two spoons, of course.
Now in its sixth year, The Laughing Gravy, has won fans across London, nationally and internationally and was voted the best restaurant in Waterloo and Southwark and we can totally see why.
The Laughing Gravy, thelaughinggravy.co.uk