The Lobster Pot

 

French seafood restaurant that puts the kitsch in kitchen.

London isn’t particularly renowned for its seafood (nor for that matter is Kennington renowned for its restaurants) but head to this south of London, Kennington Lane, outpost and you’ll be greeted with more fish, seafood and sea-related paraphernalia than you can cast your line at. Veering violently away from the minimalist, style-conscious fish restaurants populating the heart of the city, the Lobster Pot has gone for full-on nautical kitsch. Seagulls serenade you as you enter the “cabin”, ocean waves crash around you as you order, while portholes with real fish floating past allow you to keep a watchful eye out for land. You wouldn’t be blamed for assuming that the food, like the décor, is going to be gimmicky, gauche and, let’s face it, not all that good at delicate, subtle flavours. The opposite is, in fact the case. The French fish and seafood cuisine here is of the highest quality. Traditional dishes rank highly on the menu. Bouillabaisse is a staple favourite as is the homemade fish soup. If you’re feeling particularly peckish the "plateau de fruits de mer" or a lobster are guaranteed to fill you up very nicely. When it comes to dessert, the traditional crepes are a speciality. You could, of course, just opt for the taster menu and have a bit of everything. Another novel approach to dining, this is a fun, friendly way to enjoy some of the best French cooking in town.

Best for:
Bouillabaisse and bisques, pancakes, portholes and poissons, seagull sounds and sea crashing.

Did you know?
Bouillabaisse stems from the French words bouillir (to boil) and abaisser (to reduce).