Hand and Flower, Fulham

what's slightly obvious? That I had 4 pints of Heiniken and a bottle of wine before I wrote this?

29 Jan 2010 10:25

Hand and Flower, Fulham

3 words I can think of from the offset to describe the newly refurbished Hand & Flower...

"Really Amazing Food"

I've lived in the area (SW6, London) for a few years now and there seems to be a surplus of pubs, restaurants and cafe's available to residents. I've tried a handful, and all I can say is mediocre.

The place that occupied The Hand & Flower previously was a Thai restaurant, and even though I walked passed it daily, I never went inside. Since it's changed ownership, I've been for a few drinks. They seem to know what they are doing. They have good beers and wine, and a good selection of spirits. I had a roast dinner there one sunday lunch with my parents... and it was good. But that's all. Good.

I went tonight, they had a 2 courses for �15 (Sunday - Thursday).

OMG! (That is short for OH MY GOD!!)

It was really great. I started with Scallops (a Trio) 3 plump scallops. 1 ceviche with coriander, chilli & lime (i think) one on a bed of pea puree and black pudding (to die for) and 1 seared on a bed of (cannellini?) bean stew (beans, chorizo etc... worked well) all finished off with a parmesan/cheddar cheese crisp... I'm telling you now, it was great. Everything a starter should be.

For my main I had the Lamb - Now in the past when I've had Lamb, it's been sometimes tough, sometime overcooked... sometimes "OK"... passable. But never bad enough to complain.
The Lamb at The Hand & Flower... well, I would have happily payed full price for this dish and then some.

Tender (well rested), pink, juicy & full of flavour. And what a delicate flavour this Lamb had. I think I even said at the table "This Lamb died for a very worth cause"

It came on a bed of Cavalo Nero and Grilled Potatoes. There was also some carrot and parsnip in the mix... and the sauce/jus was really flavoursome and a really great addition to the dish. It just polished it off nicely.

So, at a bargain for these 2 courses I thought I'd have a desert. One jumped off of the page. Chocolate Fondant with a vanilla bean ice cream. "YES PLEASE"

The friendly waitress told us that these were made from scratch and may take up to 20 minutes. I was fine with this... I'd rather fresh than ready made. And let me tell you... it was worth the wait. A gooey, warm chocolate fondant, with a fresh and creamy vanilla ice cream. It was most delightful. I haven't smiled so much in a really long time. It was such good value, and such good food. I really would tell anyone reading this to go and give it a try. Especially whilst they have the 2 courses for �15.

We split a bottle of Alsace Pinot Blanc (�20) food and dessert. And for 2 including service it was just over �65. Not bad at all... and that was with a mid price wine (and a few pints to whet the appetite) I really hope this place stays open for a very long time. It's one of MANY that DESERVE to stay open and do very, very well.

I will 110% be back, with friends. And I will recommend this place to one and all, at every chance.

28 Jan 2010 23:05