Par Margaret Kemp
The enthusiastic new owners have transformed Joe’s into a brasserie with convivial attitude, just as we find in France.
Head chef Ben Morgans Smith says: “I’m very excited to bring the best of British ingredients to our menus and serve some sexy dishes for you all. Come and say hi and try the new menu”, he suggests.
Begin with “Snacks” (to share or not!) of Maldon Oysters, Blood Peach Granita. Lime (£4 each or 6 for £20) Iberico Bellota Jamon. Charentais Melon (£10) Beef short rib croquettes. Black Garlic Mayo (£7) Karaage Fried Chicken thighs. Maple syrup. Chili. (£8) What’s Karaage you’re asking? Chef explains: “A Japanese cooking technique in which various foods - most often chicken, but also other meat and fish - are deep fried in oil. The process involves lightly coating small pieces of the meat or fish with a combination of flour and potato starch or corn starch and frying in light oil. “I’m hoping to go to Japan soon”, he sighs. There’s also Salted Anchovies (£8) House Pickles (£4) and, if you don’t want a full meal go for the Cheese Board, highlighting the best of British cheeses, chutney and Sourdough Bread (£12) by Lamour Bakery, Wandsworth. Perfect with Château Saint Baillon 2023 rosé, Côtes de Provence, France £35.
Small plates (which are not very small!) include Confit Chicken Terrine. Sourdough. Beer Mustard (£12) Brixham Crab (Brixham is an English fishing port in Devon, very beautiful) cucumber. Peach. Basil (£16). Whipped Cod’s Roe. Crudités. Cured Egg (£10) Tomates from the Isle of Wight. DOP Mozzarella. Basil. Capers (£12)
Large plates are the “best of British” with much of the meat supplied by Randalls
the organic Butcher
https://www.randallsbutchers.com Rump Steak. Peppercorn Sauce (£24) Barnsley Lamb Chop (£26) "Barnsley Chop" is named after the town of Barnsley, Yorkshire, UK. Essentially a double loin lamb chop sliced from the saddle roast, it's a larger cut that can be grilled or pan-fried. “A Barnsley chop is a cross-section taken from right across the lamb's loin”, explains the chef. Or, try Joe’s Beef Burger. Cheddar or Gorgonzola (£16) Lamb Burger. Lettuce. Tomato. Red Onion. Mint Yogurt. Chips (£16) or Beer Battered Cod. Mushy Peas (so British) Tartare Sauce. Chips (£18)
There’s always specials of the day, the wine list is superb. How about Piaff Rosé, NV Champagne from France (£72)
https://www.champagnepiaff.com Desserts are très English, as in Eton Mess, strawberry & basil (£9) Cherry Bakewell Tart. Crème Fraiche (£9) match with Espresso Martini made with Capital coffee, vodka, kahlua (£13)
En plus to the Brasserie there are events, perfect for meeting NBF’s (new best friends). Weekly Wine Tastings chaque mercredi soir at 19.30 are hosted by Co-owner Susan Harper who explains: “Over the last 30 years I have been lucky enough to travel the world with the wine industry. My tastings will demystify wine, revealing the exciting evolving world of wine – with stories and anecdotes from the soil to the families behind the labels. Come and start a journey in wine, we’ll follow different wine regions across the world and introduce you to some labels you would not have tried before, with some familiar faces on the way”.
See you there!
130 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London SW6 2UL
T: + 44 207 731 7835
“Happy Hour” Every Day from 5pm-7pm
Open 7/7 from 12am-12pm for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch & Sunday roasts
https://www.joesbrasserie.com
Août 2024
