The Lodge

1 Reviews on “The Lodge”

• L Wilkinson

  A while back my girlfriends and I had a rather strange dinner at The Secret Garden (another pop up behind the mastermind of Jimmy Garcia). It was a little bit 50/50 and therefore I was ever so slightly dubious in going although, knowing full well the food was excellent the last time I had to go at it with a fresh mind… Jimmy’s Winter adventure which originated in Balham last year was such a hit he’s re opened it in the same space and my god, it’s a transformation. The room is wonderful – cosy, intimate and seats are covered in tartan fabric making it a full transportation to a snugly log cabin and all that’s missing is a fire, cold toes and some snow…Taken from the Lodge website (I believe this is the Balham venue)Four of us went along last week on a balmy Thursday evening and the place was heaving…think similar apres ski atmosphere just without the red noses and frost bitten fingers to find people already hitting the bar area hard for a long evening ahead. On receiving our menus we ordered the viognier and a couple of warm ‘butter rums’ topped with meringue (a must order) and settled in for the next couple of hours.Our starters arrived and were thoroughly enjoyed. All expertly cooked and devoured in seconds…A light dish of Scallop Carpaccio – Hand Dived Scallops, Pancetta, Melon and Pickled Cucumber. Refreshing with a good sweet and sour hit to it. Vicars Game Wood Pigeon, Pear and Celeriac Remoulade and Chicory was my choice of starter and it was delicious, plentiful and much lighter than the picture suggests!The Gameboard was had across the whole table. An ENORMOUS combination of the English Countrysides favourite meats and birds – Mini Venison Chateaubriand – was succulent and nicely charred (served pink) Wild Boar Scotch Egg. My favourite on the whole board. Seasoned well and of course the make or break of this snack…a nice runny golden yolk… Heather Stuffed Pigeon. Again, served perfectly pink with a crisp skin Mini Game Burger cooked rare was juicy and flavoursome; and finally Pigeon Bon Bon all served with crisp skinny fries and a dressed side Salad.Personally to get into the spirit of the place do what we did. Gather some food loving friends (it isn’t for the light stomached!!). Order the main sharing board and eat till you can eat no more! Two types of fondue are also available (I am told these will always be here even with the menu changing often) as well as a charcuterie board…that’s if you can move your eyes away from the four equally tempting main options. Great atmosphere, fab food, even better booze…a Winter Winner and a must book (it packs out quickly).

  March 8, 2016, 5:16 pm

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