Carefully crafted with local people and produce in mind
Words Ruby Forbes
London House forms part of The Gordon Ramsay Group, and in keeping with the brand, it’s sleek style is accompanied by simple design and crisp white walls, making it a welcome and incredibly elegant addition to Battersea Square. With so many burger bars and Italian eateries in the city, we often fall short of a local, traditional bistro. Cue London House.
The building stands proudly in the centre of Battersea Square, smart, bold, and with leafy decorations. On entering, three things strike me: firstly, the lounge area has a very rustic vibe with its sprawling artwork and mismatched sofas. This is direct contrast to my second impression: the dining area. Simple, stylish and professional. And between the two sits the third: the bar area where I enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. Very Gatsby, with bold brass beams and a neat spirit shelf. I go for the clementine daiquiri. It’s fresh and punchy, with hints of Barcadi Gold slipping through the grapefruit juice and fresh clementines.
We are seated and our waiter arrives with a wine list, recommending a Chardonnay – a wine which, with my preference for dry whites, I tend to steer clear of. It’s cool, crisp, and I am completely converted. To start, I order the mussels, which are everything they should be and more; chunky, fresh and swimming in a pool of garlic butter.
For the main, I choose from the grill; a 10oz ribeye steak, garnished with salad and beef fat chips. In my experience, a well-cooked steak can tell you a lot about a place, and Gordon Ramsay’s Battersea bistro ticks all the boxes. Much like the interiors, the food is fresh and precise as is the service.
The presentation and quality complete the perfect balance of fine dining. This stylish spot may feel more Mayfair than Battersea, but it’s certainly won a spot in South West London’s gastronomic landscape.
London House
9 Battersea Square, SW11
gordonramsayrestaurants.com/london-house
