Counter Vauxhall, London
COUNTER VAUXHALL: LONDON
23/03/2017
By Ellie
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT:
- One of the best lobster burgers in London!
- Modern and stylish interiors with an edgy Manhattan feel
- 2-4-1 weeknight drinks including a selection of classic and signature cocktails
- Live entertainment on Sunday’s
Counter Vauxhall, located directly opposite the tube station and sitting snugly within the Vauxhall arches, brings a touch of life to the area with its edgy Manhattan style and all-day drinking.
Through the large glass entrance, the restaurant is immediately appealing with soft glow lighting and quirky modern decor. Gold framed mirrors adorn each wall and the accompanying leather seating and marble top tables provide a hint of glamour. Continuing through the restaurant down a small corridor is a low-lit bar offering bar snacks and the opportunity for diners to take advantage of Counter’s weeknight 2-4-1 drinks offer in a relaxed environment.
The restaurant’s arched roof and intimate booth seating makes for a cosy atmosphere and is instantly inviting, perfect for a romantic meal or catch-up with friends.
The wine menu boasts a range of classic French wines and delicious cocktails; I opted for a glass of Sancerre which was not cheap at £10 a glass but delicious all the same.
The French theme continues on the food menu with traditional dishes such as Snails and Tartiflette making an appearance. There are also a few American favourites, including Mac & Cheese Balls and a selection of Burgers, which makes for an interesting menu.
I started with the Scallops and Black Pudding, which were small but perfectly formed and turned out to be a great choice. The scallops sat in a puddle of a delicious green sauce which brought flavour to the scallops and complimented the soft and salty black pudding. My dining companion chose the Braised Octopus, which although tasty, was overwhelmed by the olives and was slightly greasy.
The Slow-Confit Ox Cheek was beautifully cooked, falling apart at the touch. However, the star anise jus lacked the anticipated aniseed kick and the lack of substantial accompaniments, with the dish coming just with green vegetables, made for quite an expensive dish. The lobster burger, however, is not to be missed. The lobster was fresh and sweet served in a brioche bun with a buttery sorrel sauce which gave a delicious savoury tang to the dish. It’s one of the best I’ve eaten in London!
A Cheeseboard and Rhubarb Cheesecake followed which were washed down with a large glass of Madeira. The cheeseboard consisted of a selection of fine French cheeses from Paxton & Whitfield accompanied with a sweet chutney and the cheesecake was light and airy with a buttery biscuit base topped with a tart rhubarb compote.
Counter’s dining experience is what you’d expect from Manhattan’s edgy meat-packing district on which it’s modelled; stylish interiors, good food and great atmosphere. It’s a credit to Vauxhall and somewhere I’ll be returning to soon.
Dotty Dishes was a guest of Counter Vauxhall.
Counter Vauxhall, 50 S Lambeth Place, London, SW8 1SP.
