Most of the eateries in Brixton market are rough and ready, take outs and quick eats. The Salon, however, offers some refinement and sophistication despite its shabby chic appearance. This small rustic restaurant serves seasonal plates of food utilising the British produce available in and around South London. Located above the Salon deli, the upstairs kitchen has the ideal larder in which to get the fresh and flavoursome ingredients.
The compulsory set menu eliminates the conundrum of deciding between dishes. Priced at £29 for four courses, the menu is designed for the whole table to enjoy. But before we got involved in our carte du jour, there were aperitifs and snacks to enjoy. I tried the summery and refreshing Rhubarb Gin Fizz, though I would also recommend a bottle of the local Brixton Brewery beer. ‘Nduja Croquettes were the perfect nibbles to accompany our drinks, seriously tasty aromatic balls served with pickled cucumber and a creamy aioli.
Set Menu
Romanesco, Tarragon, Dandelion, Grapefruit
Ham, Egg, Turnip Tops
Swaledale Lamb, Jersey Royals, Seaweed
Rhubarb, Buttermilk, Roasted White Chocolate, Oats
Romanesco is a beautiful green-tinged vegetable from the broccoli / cauliflower family. The subtle taste and hard texture worked well with the tangy citrus grapefruit and the creamy tarragon sauce. It was a light and vibrant starter to awaken the taste buds and alert the palate. Next up was a warming bowl of goodness. This dish felt Asian inspired with a clear broth soup and floating poached egg, charred greenery and tender slow cooked pork. It felt healthy and soothing, with a touch of richness from the egg yolk.
For main course we were treated to a glorious piece of lean lamb with some braised meat presented on a bed of samphire, tiny jersey royals and a powerful green sauce. I couldn’t taste seaweed precisely but the earthy flavours of the vegetables complemented the meat. With the absence of carbohydrates it was a lovely dish that felt substantial but not too heavy. I needed to add a little extra seasoning but aside from that the dish was faultless.
A brief cheese course followed, a showcase of the best British cheeses, soft, hard and blue. I don’t normally favour the sweet and savoury combinations but in this case the homemade red onion chutney was a suitable accompaniment to the indulgent cheeses. Finally a sweet course, and one that I had been excitedly anticipating for the whole meal. A luscious assortment of flavours: poached and puréed rhubarb made the dish a pretty shade of pink, arranged with buttermilk mousse and shards of burnt white chocolate. It was a graceful and airy dessert, and I scraped my plate clean with a big smile on my face.
The Salon was a real delight; innovative and delicious British food in a casually cool setting. Simple dining with a focus on the food, you couldn’t ask for more.
This small eatery is also available for exclusive hire and would be the perfect setting for a special celebration or meal. More information and book here.
More information and book a table at The Salon here.