The Garden Café Lambeth

British, Modern European·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of The Garden Café Lambeth

Silver Award

The café-cum-restaurant at Lambeth’s Garden Museum is housed in a glass box next to the museum’s entrance, filled with light and made chic via Scandi-style interiors (polished concrete floors, blond-hued tables). The menu is made up of a daily-changing selection of dishes that match the unfussy surroundings: ingredient-led, stripped back and showcasing the best of seasonal British fare.

Things kick off with spears of purple sprouting broccoli, topped with a dollop of crème fraiche and shavings of feisty fried pangritata cheese, scattered like breadcrumbs, or a meatier alternative of delicate cuts of lamb’s heart rubbed with fresh mint and served with hunks of romanesco. Mains meanwhile see a hearty helping of tender pork loin served with super-soft Jersey Royal potatoes and roast onions, while an indulgent dessert involves piles of doughy profiteroles bursting with cream and drizzled with warm chocolate sauce and sugared almonds.

Accommodating staff and a well-chosen, fairly priced wine list add to the convivial atmosphere at one of those rare museum restaurants that adds to the overall cultural attraction.

Note: The Garden Café opens for lunch daily, but only opens for dinner on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
British, Modern European
Ambience
Cosy, Fun, Quiet conversation, Quirky
Food Occasions
All day dining, Dinner, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Great views, Terrace
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Celebrations, Dates
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The Garden Museum in Lambeth celebrates the history of the garden. It boasts exhibitions, events and of course, its own garden. Visitors can view paintings, tools and artefacts to gain a glimpse of how gardening came to be a staple of British society. However, the museum is also famous for its food. Not only is it highly affordable (all main courses are under £20), but it's award-winningly good. Branded as a cafe, this eatery is really more of a restaurant. Yes, you can enjoy coffee, tea, cakes and biscuits throughout the day, ideal for a quick boost after a stroll around the museum. But you can also sit down for a memorable three-course meal celebrating British produce.

The menu changes with the seasons, so any visit will be rewarded with what's best that month or even week. Start off with house bread and butter, rosemary focaccia or freshly cured white anchovies with orange zest and capers for a more substantial appetiser. Starters follow a more modern European theme with options like burrata with braised radicchio, duck rillettes with toast and cornichons or salt pollock with winter tomato and black olives. 

Vegetarians can enjoy the likes of spelt with wild garlic and courgettes for their main, while pescetarians might see tagliatelle with cuttlefish ragu and pangratatto. Meat eaters might be able to choose, perhaps from a simple option like ham, egg and chips or something more refined like a roast chicken leg with salad and an anchovy dressing. 

Finally, diners at The Garden Museum Cafe can finish off with a dessert like lemon posset with shortbread, chocolate mousse with praline or cheese. Head chefs Harry Kaufman and George Ryle have won numerous awards, including the Leading Cultural Destinations: Best Restaurant award. The committee said it was "a hidden gem for art and food lovers alike".


FAQs

Are there vegetarian options on the menu?

Yes, there are.

Helpful? 0

Who is the head chef?

George Ryle was the head chef who kicked off the restaurant's reputation. Recently he's been replaced by Myles Donaldson - a chef with experience that includes Noble Rot, St. JOHN and Anchor & Hope.

Helpful? 0

Location

Lambeth Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 7LB

020 7401 8865 020 7401 8865

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-15:00
Tue 12:00-15:00
Wed 12:00-15:00
Thu 12:00-15:00
Fri 12:00-15:00
Sat 12:00-15:00
Sun 12:00-15:00
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 18:00-21:00
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
Fri 18:00-21:00
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
All day
Mon 10:30-17:00
Tue 10:30-17:00
Wed 10:30-17:00
Thu 10:30-17:00
Fri 10:30-17:00
Sat 10:30-17:00
Sun 10:30-17:00

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Call The Garden Café Lambeth to make a booking on:

020 7401 8865 020 7401 8865

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