Restaurant Spy

I would definitely like to spend an entire day here. It's great when you sense that someone has bothered to think something through, decided what they wanted to achieve, decided how to go about it and then actually achieved it. This is basically a pub converted into a restaurant - a central bar surrounded by tables - but they have managed to carefully balance the pub/brasserie atmosphere with well spaced seating, subtle lighting, with just a hint of the louche, and an interesting off-beat decor. The end result is very welcoming and extremely laid back. There is live music (they have jazz nights) and there were two excellent acoustic guitarists playing when I went, but again they are thoughtfully positioned and you can hear what the people you are with are saying if you want to.

The food is good - I had sausage and mushroom stroganoff on mashed potato with a cheesecake dessert to follow - and reasonably priced. The customers were a comfortable cross section - some lucky locals, some girls on the town and a few Sloanes from over the water(word of the place is spreading) but they were well behaved Sloanes - no shrieking or braying to be heard. I think this is the ideal place for a first date (I haven't tried it but I think it would be) - for five reasons. One, it is not too heavy - there is a distinct atmosphere of relaxation and no pressure. You really are made to feel welcome and the service is excellent, so no embarrassment trying to catch elusive waiters. Two, wide ranging menu - something for everyone - and good wine list. Three, it's different - it has quite a unique feel and there's the live music, should conversation falter. Four, it's bang in the middle of nowhere. Battersea High St is mostly residential and the fact that you know this place exists at all says you are a bit of a man/woman about town. Five, it's not too expensive. So if the date doesn't work out your wallet will not have been needlessly squeezed. And neither will you. Harry