Naughty Piglets is the kind of neighbourhood eatery you move flat to be nearer. The restaurant was set up by husband and wife team, Joe and Margaux Sharratt, in March 2016 who aim to provide visitors with a considered natural wine list and a frequently changing seasonal menu, based around charcoal grilled recipes. Needless to say the 34-cover venue is always packed, with locals, and those travelling from other areas of London to try out this winning combination.
Inside the restaurant is modest but stylish, with eight bar seats which boast a kitchen view, for those who want to be closer to the action! We sat here and enjoyed observing the restaurant as a busy Friday evening unfolded. I let Margaux choose our wine, with sommelier experience from some of London’s most successful culinary spots I figured she would pick better than me. We tried a glass of two whites, a 2013 ‘La Rue aux Loups’ Chenin Blanc and the very unique 2014 Cheverny Tradition, from Domaine de Montcy. Both wonderfully refreshing and satisfying at the same time.
The menu is short and sweet with options to suit every palate. Locals who visit often can relish different dishes each week as the recipes change with the produce available and the seasonality of ingredients. Roast Pumpkin with Goat’s Cheese and Parma Ham was a rustic dish of subtly complementing Autumn flavours, smokey chunks of fleshy pumpkin with salty ham and cheese. I can’t miss out on burrata if I see it on a menu, it is difficult to go wrong with a dollop of the creamiest soft cheese, but the version Joe has created is particularly lavish, served on a bed of perfectly seasoned caponata.
From the meat and fish options we chose Scallops with Cauliflower and XO sauce, Beef Rump with bon marrow toast, shallots & watercress and BBQ pork belly with sesame and Korean spices, a favourite which has been on the menu since opening in March. Scallops were delicate and succulent paired with silky cauliflower puree and a hint of citrusy yuzu which cut through the richness of the dish. I loved the simple, slick presentation of the pork, but found the whole dish too salty, even with assortment of green vegetables. Silence fell over the table as we devoured the beef, an utterly delicious plate of wholesome British flavours, compiled in an elegantly French way.
There were two decadent puddings to choose from, naturally we ordered one of each. Chocolate mousse with salted caramel and hazelnuts was like a grown-up Mars bar deconstructed on the plate, with oozing dangerously sweet caramel sauce and the smoothest mousse you could imagine. Baked vanilla cheesecake with figs was blissfully soft, topped with contrasting crunchy puffed rice and served with ruby red fig segments.
I’m lucky enough to only be a short bus ride away from Naughty Piglets, and I can’t wait to spend more Friday evenings here, unwinding with a good glass of wine and a lot of completely delicious food.
More information and book a table at Naughty Piglets here.
