The Penny Black sits unobtrusively on Fulham Road, and its black front gives no indication of what might await you inside. It has only recently opened, but this little gem is unlikely to stay quiet for long.
The food is unashamedly rich and good, with classic British dishes dominating the menu. Starters include a courgette and aubergine stuffed onion, which sounded like a small dish but appeared heaving with cheesy, squidgy goodness. Likewise, the crayfish salad was almost over-generous in its crayfish, and the soda bread served alongside was enough to fill you up before you’d started.
Mains include a beef wellington - a huge medallion of tender meat encased in buttery pastry – and a whole Dorset crab served with ridiculously naughty duck fat chips.
The desserts were just as rich, with a super sticky and creamy chocolate fondant served with toffee sauce, and possibly the greatest raspberry cheesecake known to man just two of the choices. The restaurant seemed to be full of businessmen at dinner, but it would be ideal for a special occasion, or to really impress a date.
Unusually, the restaurant has a great English wine list, and we sampled a top British ‘Champagne’ which was sweet and bubbly. It’s not cheap, but it’s well worth splashing out.
If it’s any indication of the commitment of the Penny Black to good food, the manager contacted us later to say they don’t let anyone leave hungry. Too true.
A two course dinner for two with wine and service costs around £90.
The Penny Black, 212 Fulham Road, London SW10 9PJ
Follow