Where
The Four Thieves, Battersea

What
The Four Thieves, part of The Laines Pub Company, has just opened on Lavender Hill in Battersea. With its own on site brewery and distillery making craft beer and Four Thieves gin this new site will have the perfect tipples to match head chef Hayden Smith’s menu.

The Experience
Upon entering the restaurant I have to say that my first reaction was surprise, closely followed by delight! The eclectic mix of décor; dim, warm lights and the quietly busy atmosphere made for the perfect location for a few after work drinks and dinner.

We were shown to our table, beautifully set with a personalized white painted ‘reserved’ sign, and were soon handed a drinks menu with a choice of 80 different gins. The restaurant houses its very own drinks distillery and is soon to open its own mini brewery. They take massive pride in their choices of tipple, and we couldn’t wait to try. To start, we tried a festive saffron and orange gin cocktail and a clean, sweet elderflower and blackberry cocktail. Both of the gins are infused in house and were absolutely delicious. Neither flavour was overwhelming and complemented each other perfectly.

By now we were really excited to try some of the in house cuisine. As the orange and saffron cocktail would suggest, the twist on the classic gastro pub menu was pan Asian. We were therefore presented with two ‘mini-plates’- these are commonly shared between groups as a main meal, but equally offered as a starter. The first plate was king prawns and chorizo, served with a warm, spicy arribiata sauce and a big chunk of homemade bread. We also had salt and pepper squid, served with pan-fried vegetables, sesame seeds and rocket. Both dishes were filling and warming yet light with exciting flavours.

For main, we were served kangaroo rump steak with artichoke, braised cherry sauce and sweet potato mash. After the initial giggling fits from imagining eating kangaroo, I have to say it was actually really delicious and much softer than my knife suggested.

The Cost
The Four Thieves is reasonably priced. The portions are large and so we were both happily full sharing two starters and one main.

Starters range from £4 – 8
Mains £8 – 14
Drinks £6 +

Address
51 Lavender Gardens
London
SW11 1DJ