Harden's survey result
Summary
“A culinary beacon in Balham” that’s been “consistently excellent for 15 years” – Joe Lambert’s “outstanding local independent” provides “very seasonal” cooking of a kind that “stays current without slipping into faddishness”. “The ambience is somewhat Scandi-cool” but livened up by the “engaging and lovely staff”. Top Menu Tip: “outstanding Sunday roasts”.
Summary
“Superb in every respect” and “extremely good value” – Joe Lambert’s “Balham gem” is renowned locally for its “informal-but-never-sloppy service” and a “very high standard of seasonal cooking” that, for its most ardent fans, “classes it as a competitor to Chez Bruce”. A couple of regulars reported a “loss of mojo” here this year however – “it was disappointing, but we hope this let-down was a one off”.
Summary
“Lucky Balhamites to have it on their doorstep!” – Joe Lambert’s “consistently excellent” neighbourhood favourite “nibbles at Chez Bruce’s heels” in the affections of SW12 residents. Its “creative, modern and seasonal British food” is “remarkably good value” and served by “superb” staff in a “casual” setting.
Summary
“Approaching Chez Bruce standards but less expensive!” – this Balham neighbourhood favourite “hits all the right notes”, with its “subtle” décor, “helpful” service and “unfailingly impressive” cooking that’s “really exceptional value”.
Owner's description
We are passionate about ethical produce and maintaining the countryside: We use local suppliers, many of them small family firms, and endeavour to use only the finest, often organic, seasonal ingredients.
Our seasonal menu changes regularly. Old favourites sit side by side with modern interpretations of classic dishes — all complimented by a balanced wine list featuring some exciting bottles at sensible prices.
We very much look forward to seeing you soon!
Joe Lambert
Restaurant details
Lamberts Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Love it here, such a nice place and reasonably priced given the exceptional quality. This latest visit was to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary on Easter Sunday with our two young Daughters. The kids loved it and were brilliantly catered for with some lovely food that got pretty well demolished. For the 'grown-ups' the fare was of the usual high quality and all-in-all it just made for a lovely family meal. I cannot speak highly enough of Lamberts, it's been a feature for many of my 20 years in London now and is somewhere I like to go back to once or twice a year even though we're now down in Merton."
"Good quality food at reasonable prices. Nice find"
"Good skullen skink, partridge a bit dry and needed a less thick bread sauce, served with cold crisps. Chunky chips not crispy. Roast belly pork a bit stringy. Only one guy serving 6/7 tables, taking orders, answering the phone which rang every 10 mins, making cocktails, drinks, bills - full marks for effort but not ideal nor relaxing for customers... foods gastro pub ish - certainly not the 5 score it has."
