Harwood Arms

27 Walham Grove
London
SW6 1QR
020 7386 1847

Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 12-11pm;
Fri-Sat 12pm-12am

Stars: *****

A while ago I found myself browsing the internet for a restaurant that would both offer me good value for money, as well as an amazing, gastronomic dinning experience. Although I was going for a friends birthday, I also wanted my first experience of  a Michelin stared restaurant to be an amazing one, and as soon as I was seated in the Harwood Arms, I knew I wasn’t in for a disappointing evening.

This gastro pub is located away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city madness, tucked away in the centre of Fulham (a short walk away from Fulham Broadway tube station). The Pub is a collaboration between Brett Graham of the Ledbury, Mike Robinson of the Pot Kiln and Edwin Vaux from the Vaux brewery working the front of house.

The aim of the establishment is to provide a relaxed experience, but at the same time offering some of the finest British ingredients, made even better by interestingly simple cooking methods and flavour combinations that the menu offers. As a result of the sophisticated food and homely setting, Harwood Arms were awarded a Michelin star in 2010.

When you enter you immediately get a warm feeling. From the rustic old wooden tables and chairs, to the smell of the freshly made bread in the restaurant, waiting to be served to eagerly awaiting locals who you sense are regular visitors, and for good reason.

The room, filled with rustic ornaments and early 19^th century décor is split into two halfs. In one half you can enjoy one of a range of tasty pints of ale and possibly a Roe deer scotch egg if you fancy a nibble. The other half used more for the dinning.

The staff are as dressed to suit the rest of the establishment, serving the food and drinks table side in jeans and footwear that would never usually be associated with Michelin restaurants.

The food was heavenly right from the word go. The freshly baked bread which was served for two in a small, quaint woven bag which made me smile and immediately kicked off a whole conversation with my companion. This was swiftly followed by a game dish which the pub is renowned for. I chose a beautiful pigeon dish, formed of perfectly cooked skewer of legs and breast as well as a breaded option croquet, served with a separate glaze which you could add when needed (in my case, a lot it was that good!). Across the table opposite from me was a very appetising veal schnitzel which looked just as good.

The mains following consisted of sumptuous lamb chops served with curly kale and confit shallots, cauliflower croquets and a lamb jus. I went for a perfectly slow cooked, warm ox cheek which was served in its own juices, along with celeriac puree and sautéed mushrooms. A simple dish don’t get me wrong but with every element cooked and made as well as this, it was warming and satisfying in every way.  Conversation had halted between us as we concentrated and in awe of the food we were eating. The only communication being the looks of amazement we would give each other occasionally.

The dessert we both had to choose the marmalade filled doughnuts served with clotted cream. So warm, lightly and fluffy its nearly indescribable, with the warmness of the doughnuts cutting through the clotted cream, it was the perfect way to finish off the meal (along with a bill of around £40 each). Before leaving overly satisfied and wondering when to make time to go again and visit.

If your looking for somewhere that you and a group of friends can go to eat amazing food, served by

attentive staff that will intrigue you with their knowledge of the food and their bubble personality. If your wondering where to go that isn’t overpriced, and you can enjoy your company with conversation and laughs, along with a light hearted atmosphere and approach to things then look no further than the Harwood Arms!