The Loft Restaurant in Clapham, London

Historically dominated by chains and cheap eats, Clapham High Street can now celebrate The Loft, a dining experience on another level.

Whether feasting, brunching or just bar snacking, diners at The Loft will enjoy seasonal British produce courtesy of head chef Marianne Wit. Formerly of Michelin starred The Glasshouse in Kew, Marianne's aim is to deliver delicious dishes that are 'familiar but with a twist.' To this end, the braised oxtail in the endive salad has been crisped and is complemented by walnut oil and mustard dressing; the cream sauce for the rope grown mussels is spiked with dill and star anise and the toad in this hole is chorizo.

Careful sourcing is of paramount concern: pork comes from outdoor reared Gloucester Old Spot pigs; all fish is from sustainable sources, including line-caught sea bass; all beef has been hung for nineteen days and marigold-hued yolks stand testament to the quality of eggs from acorn fed, free-range hens. This responsible attitude is continued after the meal is over, with waste oil being sent for processing into bio fuel.

Away from the main menu, The Loft maintains the same high standards. Brunchers have the agony of deciding between delights that include buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and fresh blueberries; kedgeree with smoked mackerel and a poached egg; and a Full English that boasts Stornaway black pudding, Macken Bros. sausages and Guinness and black treacle cure bacon. The Loft's roasts provide the perfect reason to venture out on a Sunday. Indulge in roast beef with Yorshire pudding and all the trimmings or roasted Gloucester Old Spot pork belly with roasted vegetables, caramelised apples and homemade chutney. Bar menu dishes available every day include watercress salad with soft goat's cheese and a good, old-fashioned homemade burger with chunky chips.

Complementing the food is a strong but succinct wine list, encompassing a range from great value Mendoza Valley house red and white, through the likes of Puligny Montrachet Chavy 2005 and Reserve de Leoville Barton 2001, to Louis Roederer Cristal 2000. Excellent international draft and bottled beers, such as Sleeman Honey Brown Beer and Coopers Sparkling Ale and a lengthy catalogue of premium spirits complete the picture.

As Plan B cognoscenti will have anticipated, diners at The Loft eat to the beat of a cutting edge
soundtrack. Friday evenings bring rare grooves, northern soul, eclectic beats and funky breaks, while Saturdays nod to NYC disco combined with party classics and Sundays feature forgotten favourites with 80's classics and easy listening.

The Loft: reaching new heights in casual fine dining and drinking.

The Loft, 67 Clapham High Street, London SW4 9TG
T: 020 7627 0792 www.theloft-clapham.co.uk

Comments

[Kake]

Thanks for the tip — note the postcode is SW4 7TG, not SW4 9TG. Time Out review here: http://www.timeout.com/london/bars/reviews/12487.html