Welcome to Louis WAGS It! A monthly review of Zahra and Louis’ top restaurant picks from the WagIt platform.
After studying cookery and food sciences for over 5 years, Zahra decided to settle down with someone who has impeccable taste when it comes to dining out. That someone is Louis. On this blog, they will combine their food expertise to review WagIt’s restaurants and give you the low down on where to eat and what to order.
Each month, they will break down a selection of venues with Louis’ WAGS.
W for Where – All you need to get there
A for Atmosphere – What makes this place special?
G for Grub – Zahra’s passion and domain
S for Service – Louis tells all.
Louis WAGS It – South West London
Hi, this is our first edition, so we’re staying local and have picked three South West London locations on the WagIt platform – one new, one old favourite and one we’d almost forgotten about.
Let’s go…
Gazette Battersea
If you know, you know… and Gazette is a hidden gem you should definitely know.
One of the most underrated French Brasseries London has to offer in the most unexpected of locations. Here, butter and cream make up a third of the menu and every bite is worth the calories and the pennies. And who would have thought? It’s also dog friendly!
Where – This location in Battersea, minutes away from the river, is where it all started over a decade ago. Now Gazette has three other locations across London serving up traditional French menus in a rustic setting.
Closest Transport: Clapham Junction (overground)
Address: 79, Sherwood Court, Chatfield Rd, London SW11 3UY
Atmosphere – We love the brick interior and classic french cafe tables outside, with unique wooden furniture all imported from France. Side tables for any overflowing dishes or bottles that can’t fit on your table for two are a thoughtful touch and a personal favourite.
Grub – Every French classic in the book, done in style. A highlight of the meal was the great value brunch dish – Champignons. Perfectly poached eggs with creamy mushrooms on sourdough toast, all for 8 quid. The foie gras starter is cooked to perfection and Gazette does a nice twist on a classic goat’s cheese starter by adding a few fusion flavours. Next time I go back, I’ll indulge in the ribeye steak and gratin dauphinoise.
Service – Lovely and friendly staff. Waiters are knowledgeable about the menu and patient in answering our endless questions. Plates and cutlery are changed after each course in pawfect French tradition, not that I needed them. “Can I bring you some water?” the waiter asks me with his charming French accent. Oh my, somebody’s getting a very good tip!
Louis WAGS It: 5/5
Duke Of Cambridge Pub
My dog Louis is intelligent in many ways but he clearly wasn’t at his brightest one cold winter day when he decided to jump head first into the big fountains in Battersea Park. My partner and I carried him soaking wet to almost every pub in the area begging them to take us in. Finally, we came across one that welcomed me and my shivering dog. So began our long love affair with the Duke of Cambridge pub.
Where – A skip and a trot from the doggiest park in all of London you’ll find this welcoming and wholesome British pub which has definitely become Louis’ local.
Closest Transport:Battersea Park (overground)
Address: 228 Battersea Bridge Rd, London SW11 3AA
Atmosphere – Duke of Cambridge is everything a pub should be. It’s warm on the inside, spacious in the outside area and perfect for every occasion. We love the atmosphere on Sundays for roasts and post-work Wednesdays for Harvey’s pub quiz.
Grub – Traditional pub menu made with high-quality ingredients and slightly on the pricier side because of the high quality ingredients. We love visiting on Sundays for the traditional roast – but not the human one – the Doggy Roast! One of a handful of places in London serving up a full doggy Sunday Lunch in a bowl. Human roasts are decent but I’d skip it and go for the burger instead, which is heaven in a bun.
Service – Staff are fun, young and love dogs! What more do you need?
Louis WAGS It: 4/5
The Orange Pub
When it comes to post-work drinks in Chelsea, The Thomas Cubitt is always a firm favourite. But, has everybody forgotten about their sister restaurant The Orange?
Where – On Pimlico road, just a 10-minute walk from their big sister restaurant. One of 4 restaurants in The Thomas Cubitt group, this by far has got to be my personal favourite for the central location and vibe.
Closest Transport: Victoria station (overground and underground)
Address: 37 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8NE
Atmosphere – Less noisy than the other locations and more quaint. There’s a lounge/bar area and a quiet, separate dining room. Low mood lighting and an intimate restaurant feel. Great vibe for a date night where you don’t want to leave your first love (your dog) at home.
Grub – I highly rate the food and highly hate the prices. You can’t compare The Orange’s food to other gastropubs, the dishes are seasonal and always made with finesse. The restaurant even makes its own pizzas which are surprisingly good. Starters aren’t the showstoppers here so I’d get a main and indulge in a scrumptious dessert.
Service – pawrsonally I wont be dragging Zahra back here. Not saying it’s bad but they don’t really acknowledge me and will only bring a water bowl if you ask.
Louis WAGS It: 3.5/5
2 Comments
I love the Duke of Cambridge and think your review is spot on. The Doggie roast was very appreciated by my Dog too. Can’t wait to Tey gazette on your recommendation.
I need to to thank you for this very good read!! I certainly loved every little bit of it. I have you book-marked to check out new things you postÖ