Hand and Flower, Fulhamback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Yet another knocked through bar/pub/eatery with a courtyard garden. However, unlike the nearby Jam Tree and Imperial, this one is slightly less modern in decor and boasts a naturally well lit seated rear dining area and a decent courtyard garden. Also a plus for sunny weather is that the frontage has doors all the way across so some or all of space can be opened to the street which was a bonus on a sultry evening. No machines but TV at side and rear and a board advertising the Euro 2012 schedule - not sure if this is a one off but looks like they'll show the games. Two ales on - I didn't try the "Hand and Flowers Best" but the Dark Star Original was in good condition.
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To be honest, the only reason I�m writing this is the selfish desire to be able to visit the Hand & Flower again and again. Otherwise I would never tell anyone about this place, and only bring my close friends and family - and probably blind fold them en route so they wouldn�t know how to get there themselves.
There are a couple of decent places in Fulham that we�ve discovered, but the Hand & Flower has delivered on several occasions the best meals we�ve had west London. I have to say that quality of food and cooking at this place is as good as cetain starred central London establishments, but at a fraction of the cost in a much more relaxed atmosphere. The service (save one run-in with an overstretched Australian lass) is always welcoming, warm, attentive but not intruding.
It has a lovely warm dining room and open kitchen, with a gorgeous little garden out the back. The front acts as proper pub-ish space, nut you can also eat there.
Although there a reasonably balanced menu (not too many or few choices), I�d recommend going for dinner and trying the scallops 3 ways or salmon tartare for starters and the rib eye or sole for mains. The last time we visited we ordered a to-die-for chocolate fondant for dessert, to which we were told there would be at least a 25 minute wait as these are made from scratch. I�m not really a �chocolate person� but we almost ordered a second after scraping the plate. The wine list � in my novice opinion � has a well chosen selection with a few organic bottles on the list as well.
A bit of background, I�ve lived in Fulham for 2 years now and (rented in) Kensington the 2 years before that. Although now in other professions, my partner and I have both worked in restaurants a few years ago (myself in the kitchen and front of house, and my partner in front of house) so (I hope) we have a reasonable idea of what good food and service standards can be.
Although I�ll regret writing this if the Hand & Flower ends up being packed every night, I�ll take the chance if that means I�ll still be able to visit (and maybe reward the lovely people there).They have an offer on at the moment - Mon-Thurs 2 courses for �15 - well worth every penny and then some.
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I would just echo The_Final_Arbiter...
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what's slightly obvious? That I had 4 pints of Heiniken and a bottle of wine before I wrote this?
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Slightly obvious fr0ntal.
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Been anywhere else?
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3 words I can think of from the offset to describe the newly refurbished Hand & Flower...
"Really Amazing Food"
I've lived in the area (SW6, London) for a few years now and there seems to be a surplus of pubs, restaurants and cafe's available to residents. I've tried a handful, and all I can say is mediocre.
The place that occupied The Hand & Flower previously was a Thai restaurant, and even though I walked passed it daily, I never went inside. Since it's changed ownership, I've been for a few drinks. They seem to know what they are doing. They have good beers and wine, and a good selection of spirits. I had a roast dinner there one sunday lunch with my parents... and it was good. But that's all. Good.
I went tonight, they had a 2 courses for �15 (Sunday - Thursday).
OMG! (That is short for OH MY GOD!!)
It was really great. I started with Scallops (a Trio) 3 plump scallops. 1 ceviche with coriander, chilli & lime (i think) one on a bed of pea puree and black pudding (to die for) and 1 seared on a bed of (cannellini?) bean stew (beans, chorizo etc... worked well) all finished off with a parmesan/cheddar cheese crisp... I'm telling you now, it was great. Everything a starter should be.
For my main I had the Lamb - Now in the past when I've had Lamb, it's been sometimes tough, sometime overcooked... sometimes "OK"... passable. But never bad enough to complain.
The Lamb at The Hand & Flower... well, I would have happily payed full price for this dish and then some.
Tender (well rested), pink, juicy & full of flavour. And what a delicate flavour this Lamb had. I think I even said at the table "This Lamb died for a very worth cause"
It came on a bed of Cavalo Nero and Grilled Potatoes. There was also some carrot and parsnip in the mix... and the sauce/jus was really flavoursome and a really great addition to the dish. It just polished it off nicely.
So, at a bargain for these 2 courses I thought I'd have a desert. One jumped off of the page. Chocolate Fondant with a vanilla bean ice cream. "YES PLEASE"
The friendly waitress told us that these were made from scratch and may take up to 20 minutes. I was fine with this... I'd rather fresh than ready made. And let me tell you... it was worth the wait. A gooey, warm chocolate fondant, with a fresh and creamy vanilla ice cream. It was most delightful. I haven't smiled so much in a really long time. It was such good value, and such good food. I really would tell anyone reading this to go and give it a try. Especially whilst they have the 2 courses for �15.
We split a bottle of Alsace Pinot Blanc (�20) food and dessert. And for 2 including service it was just over �65. Not bad at all... and that was with a mid price wine (and a few pints to whet the appetite) I really hope this place stays open for a very long time. It's one of MANY that DESERVE to stay open and do very, very well.
I will 110% be back, with friends. And I will recommend this place to one and all, at every chance.
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Went here for a christmas meal last week. Absolutely spot on! The food was beautiful, both in taste and presentation. The atmosphere was lovely and the pub itself is bright and welcoming. Outside, there is a cute seating area, which I imagine will be cosy in summer evenings. Not really ventured this side of town before, but I'll certainly go again.
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