Following on from the successful relocation of the much loved Hibiscus Restaurant from Shropshire to London in 2007, Claude Bosi has re-entered into the pub scene. The Fox and Grapes, just off Wimbledon Common, opened in February 2011.
Best known for his two Michelin star cooking at Hibiscus, which was recently nominated one of the world's top 50 best restaurants, the Fox and Grapes showcases simple British dishes. Shadowing Claude's support for small farmers and producers, the chefs at the Fox and Grapes will continue to use the eclectic and varied list of independent butchers, fishmongers, fruit and vegetable growers that Hibiscus is so lucky to have built up in the last ten years of trading.
Fox and Grapes
British Restaurant in Wimbledon
Ad
Fox and Grapes Picture Gallery
All In London Review
The quintessential English gastropub...
After a relatively chilly Sunday recently the lure of a cosy pub was just too much and we retired for lunch. The place was certainly buzzing; packed to the rafters with families ruddy-faced and muddy from rambles on the common and with almost as many dogs, it was something of a squeeze and the table we were seated at, essentially in the walkway between the two rooms and precariously close to at the throng of the action, meant my seat was brushed and bashed by human and hound on more than one or two occasions. Ever so slightly annoying.
Nevertheless, presented with a menu of roasts and winter warmers I started my meal with a deliciously comforting bowl of sweet potato and ginger soup, topped with sunflower seeds and a blob of herby cream cheese. Given that I had the beginnings of yet another winter cold the warming ginger added a much-needed kick (and hopefully immunity boost). The Vietnamese confit duck sassed, with spring onions, cucumbers, cashews, chilli, lime and lemongrass on the other side of the table looked delicious, a plate of colour and crunch which was met with much satisfied lip-licking.
I’ve had some disappointing roasts recently but given the reviews of that at the Fox & Grapes - and the somewhat legendary status - I had high hopes; I needn’t have worried. My plat arrived piled high with roast rump of salt marsh lamb, roasties so crisp you could chip a tooth if you’re not careful, and perfectly crunchy veg, all accompanied with a fantastic Yorkshire pud. The accompanying cauliflower cheese was divine, oozing with gooey deliciousness. As roasts go it was up there with the best of them, the meat so meltingly tender it practically dissolved on touching the tongue.
It’s no secret the food at the Fox & Grapes is superb but if you aren’t a fan of having your Sunday lunch with a side of hustle, bustle and noisy families it might be worth your while to pay a visit on an evening instead.
Reviewed by Laurel
Published on Mar 16, 2018
User Reviews
There are no user reviews
Have your say
Add a review or useful tip for this restaurant