The Laundry: Brixton’s all-day neighbourhood bistro and wine shop

A trip into vibrant Brixton is always an immersion of the senses. Overwhelmed by the loud noises, wild fashion choices and street smells, I took refuge at The Laundry. A simply beautiful building with a glorious courtyard, the elegance almost feels out of place.

On entry, you’re wowed by the beautiful décor which reminded me a little of a rustic French winery. When I asked about the origin of the building I was thrilled to find out it was Edwardian, which explains the beauty. The name is inspired by its origins, as Walton Lodge originally served as a traditional steam press laundry until 2014.

The space is inspired by classic European bistros, neighbourhood bars and cafés that have influenced Australasian culinary duo Melanie Brown and Sami Harvey’s travel adventures. The Laundry is a place where brunches thrive, afternoon and evening sundowners are a must and an all-day menu is founded on the intrinsic landscape of culinary tradition.

We settled into one of the cosy banquettes and perused the all-day menu. Breakfast and brunch is available until 12pm on weekdays and Sundays and until 3pm on Saturdays, and offers up intriguing dishes such as Spiced Tofu Scramble, Whipped Goats Cheese with feijoa chutney on walnut sourdough and Turkish Eggs cooked in hot chilli butter.

Today was all about lunch though, and there was a good selection of starters including Heritage Tomato Carpaccio, Trout & Fennel Rillette and Burrata served with melon and parma ham. I decided on a traditional and classic Prawn Cocktail served with a spicy Marie Rose sauce. The prawns were fresh and delicious and the dish was served in a glass like granny used to do – very charming.

Mains selection was fantastic, and I was enticed by the Coq au Vin Chicken Salad, Thai Prawn Red Curry and Sea Trout, however there was also a seasonal special board which pulled me in. In the end, I opted for the Rolled Pork Belly served with radish, watercress salad and salsa verde. I have never had a pork dish in this manner before and it was absolutely sensational. The fresh summer flavours really complemented the soft and supple rolled pork. The perfect accompaniment were the spring greens which had a hint of chilli. I couldn’t fault this dish if I tried.

I was full to the brim but couldn’t resist a peak at the dessert menu. As soon as I saw Strawberry Trifle was on the menu, accompanied with caramelised white chocolate – all bets were off. Again served in a nostalgic glass, this was layers of beautiful strawberry jelly with wild strawberries inside, the silkiest custard I have ever tasted and whipped cream. It was perfection and immediately transported me to childhood.

There is a House Cocktail menu offering twists on classics and a must order is the Cucumber Margarita which takes the smoky and spicy taste to new summer levels with the freshness of the cucumber, and there is an extensive wine list with worldwide options. The space also doubles as a wine shop so you can take your favourites home with you – a bonus!

The Laundry is an absolute must-visit, and upon seeing they also serve up a wicked Sunday Roast, that is highly regarded by Conde Nast Traveller and Harper’s Bazaar, I’m vying to go back myself very soon!

Find out more > www.thelaundrybrixton.com