Food

Milkwood Kitchen and Bar: A Modern Eatery with Authentic South London soul

Milkwood

Its not often I venture south of the river these days, but the temptation of Milkwood kitchen and bar proved well worth the effort. Milkwood, the newest addition to the ever-flourishing Railton Road, is described as a neighbourhood eatery in the heart of Herne Hill serving quality food with great cocktails, craft beers and fine wines.

Directly outside Herne Hill station, the venue is spacious with a seated courtyard and fully retractable windows to the front, a large square island bar in the center and an open plan kitchen to the rear.  Drinks are served in the front section whilst the restaurant is situated at the far end. I visited on a Saturday night and although only in it’s 5th week, the place was positively buzzing.

The cocktail list was extensive and very reasonably priced, starting from just £7. Having sampled the Volcano Espresso Martini and Milkwood Mojito, it was clear that the mixologists knew their art inside out.

The all day menu changes monthly but appears to contain a variety of both lighter and heartier options, with dishes to suit both meat eaters and non- meat eaters in equal measure.  Again, prices were very reasonable with starters and small plates starting at £4 and mains from £10.

Milkwood

I opted for Parma ham and melon followed by Feta, pumpkin, beetroot, chili and pomegranate salad. Both of these dishes were delicious and contained the perfect balance of salty and sweet. My dinner date for the evening opted for crab croquettes with lime crème fraiche and for main: Stone bass, champ mash, mussels and samphire.  It was clear that fresh, quality ingredients had been used in both our meals.  The presentation was beautiful and the waitress could not have been more helpful, despite the various questions we threw at her.  We accepted the manager’s recommendation of a crisp white wine that would complement our meal and he got it spot on.

An enormous amount of thought has gone into making Milkwood a stand out destination, from ambient music to fixtures and fittings and of course the food itself.  Quirky additions such as drinks cabinets made from old ammunition boxes and lamps that once belonged to World War 2 submarines add to the charm but the cinema in the basement was the real icing on the cake for me.

A 20-seat boutique cinema, complete with 1930’s German leather cinema chairs will be opening in the next few weeks to house Milkwood’s film club.  For just £5 per month they will be showing daily films, which members, plus one, will have free – unlimited access to. Additional screenings will be on offer for children’s parties at weekends too!

Milkwood

When you consider Milkwood is the love child of the same people behind the enormously popular Railway gastro pub in Tulse Hill, it is hardly surprising that it is truly outstanding. What I really love is that these true Brixton locals have managed to inject some authentic South London soul into an area that is on the cusp of becoming overly gentrified.

My impression of Milkwood is that it embodies everything that you could possibly want from a neighborhood venue.  From brunch with the family to relaxed late night drinks they have everything covered, even a private breast feeding/ changing room for mums!

I would thoroughly recommend you pay a visit while you can still get a reservation, I predict this place will explode (in a good way) over the summer months.

 

Further Information:

Milkwood Bar and Kitchen

216 Railton Road,

SE24 0JT

0207 339950

Open:

Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 till late.

http://www.milkwoodhernehill.co.uk/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Milkwoodhernehill

 

Reviewed by Carolyn Owlett

@carolynowlett