Tag Archives: Brixton market

The Salon, Brixton

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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.

Wishbone, Brixton Market

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If you like chicken, you will love Wishbone. This trendy, casual eatery is the brainchild of food writer and chef William Leigh who aims to serve up ethically sourced, delicious, guilt-free fried chicken from its very own stylish surroundings in the infamous food hangout of Market Row in Brixton Market.

The UK is a nation of fried chicken lovers who regularly gobble battery chicken 3-piece meals from any one of the ‘something-FC’ establishments that can be found on the high street. Wishbone is here to change that. Wishbone offers a menu full of high quality, crispy, fresh-from-the-fryer chicken, plates of wings including twice fried, Korean style and their very own twist on the chicken burger. Alongside the birds and buns there is a range of simple, well chosen sides like slaw, black eyed pea salad and Mac ‘N’ Cheese Nuggets all to be washed down with selected craft beers.

William Leigh has spent the last four years researching and refining recipes as well as eating bucket loads of chicken across the world. From Brooklyn to Bangkok, he has sampled it all, using these experiences as the inspiration for Wishbone. Scott Collins of MEATLiquor joined Leigh in his chicken quest and helped him get his poultry dream off the ground. Amongst a book of closely guarded recipes, experienced and researched techniques and incredible ingredients, Wishbone hopes to become the definitive destination for fried chicken lovers.

William Leigh commented, “As a huge fan of fried chicken, I realised that for too long people have only ever been able to enjoy this classic, delicious US staple from battery farmed birds with low quality meat and this had to change. Wishbone will be taking something that was mistreated – overcooked, greasy, left in a hot cupboard for hours – and treat it as the hero.” On the Brixton location, Scott Collins added, “The decision to make Wishbone’s home Brixton was a pretty easy one. The food market’s growing reputation and Brixton’s diverse cultural roots will give Wishbone a truly distinct sense of community and soon become a home for friends looking for an ice cold beer and some hot, free-range, crispy chicken.”

This trendy restaurant-bar aims to please everyone with their offerings of moreish wholesome dishes and addictive cocktails. When I went along to the opening, I was devastated to miss nearly all the chicken, but I did sample the exquisite cocktails, very simple but delicious drinks made with a variety of different spirit bases.

Be warned most of the restaurants in Brixton market are closed on Mondays (including Wishbone) so I’d recommend visiting any other day. I’m hoping to return soon to try out the full menu.

More information here: www.wishbonebrixton.co.uk