L U P I N S!!!! what a delightful place. Located in and around one of our fave places (Borough High street), it was love at first bite! So much so, we have been back on two separate occasions and have had LUPINS at home! Yep, people, this place makes delicious food! Plus, it is run by 2 incredible female chefs! Somebody say girl power?
Our first time here was in November 2017, the restaurant is spread over 2 floors and we were given a table on the first floor which is the more ‘intimate’ form of dining. The first word that came to mind was cosy, you immediately wanted to order a drink and enjoy your evening type feeling. I also loved that the music played softly in the background, making conversation easier. We really weren’t sure how service worked especially as we like to ‘sample’ food but there was no need to fret because at Lupins, tasting is at the heart of what they do. Like seriously, they only make small dishes, and you are encouraged to have a variety of them, think tapas style eating and let me tell you right now, it was the bomb!!!!
Fast forward to August 2018, we were back here again, and the place had been given a face lift which was for the better. There was now a casual kitchen counter on the first floor in addition to the intimate dining section located on the 2nd floor. We sat at what we have now dubbed ‘our table’, the same table we sat at when we first visited! Ha! what can I say, we are creatures of habit and if it aint broke, don’t fix it right? The menu as expected was seasonal British food and I reckon this time it tasted way better than I remembered. The first time round, we really were finding our feet and getting a feel for the place but this day, we came prepared! Of course, we had a bottle of white wine, can’t remember if it was Chardonnay or Chablis, Neal reckons it would have been one or the other? (not very helpful I know) but this was 3 years ago people. Let’s just leave it at the wine was goodt okuur?
We sampled a few dishes. We were somewhat ready as this was our second visit. However, these dishes still had me like hol’ up? Like wait what? We had Cornish oysters, but these were not just plain oysters (even though, oysters don’t really need much doing to them). These oysters were fermented with chilli butter and pickled cucumber, hello! The burrata with nuts in the most delicious sauce ever! I mean the freshness of these dishes was a delight on your palate.
What is a British food without a bit of toast eh? I mean it was still brunch hour even if it wasn’t, the toast in this here lupins? Lissstteeennnn!!! Roast peach and ricotta on toast with Salisbury honey, I mean reading these individual items got me like? Nah! This is not meant to work, but it did! My lawd did it work! It was gorgeous to look at and equally gorgeous to eat… the flavours? Sweet, savoury and soo good!
One time for the cod and pigeon dish too. Every course here was not just fresh but seasoned, full of flavour cooked in equally flavoursome sauces. Every ingredient carefully chosen and combined to create mouth-watering taster plates that will have your palate singing halleluia!
The cheese selection though? It was served with a side of honey? I mean cheese and honey? Who knew? The camembert cheese dipped in the honey was right up my street! Ha! Dessert was chocolate ganache with honey comb .. I don’t need to say anymore!
Ahh LUPINS! I am always going to be your fan!
Cheers
Ndidi
p.s. did I forget to mention they do vegan food as well? oops! my bad! yep, they vegan folks!
Addendum
To celebrate our anniversary last year, we had LUPINS at home. OMD!!!! IT was fantastic. 7 courses delivered and made fresh with clear instructions on how to re-heat and what to have first! Let me be clear we had NO reservations about how fresh, delicious, or good nor were we concerned about not having the same amazing food experience if we had been in the restaurant, well, I miss having a sommelier ha! nonetheless, EVERYTHING was perfect! From the rosemary focaccia bread with brown butter, whipped goats curd, roasted beetroot & cherries, pig head croquests, beef brisket and the cheese selection. IT WAS GOODT!
p.p.s. The world might be opening up again, on this side of the pond, at least in the UK, do support a restaurant and try their dishes at home if you can. You just might be pleasantly surprised! Go on, be adventurous!