Tom's Reviews

I am not really sure why it has taken me so long to write this review as this is a venue I have held in high regard since I first stepped through its doors shortly after it opened. Maybe it is a personal concern that the casual diner may be drawn to the new Bennett which has opened and, visually at least, offers a somewhat more glamorous and appealing look. That is not to say that this is about knocking Bennett but merely to butress Melanzana.

In short, I have always found the experience at Melanzana to be excellent. The food is uncomplicated but always really good. It has a real sense of having been cooked fresh and my only battle appears to be getting enough of my own dish before my daughter takes more than I anticipated when ordering.

The Squaremeal review notes that Melanzana replaced the ‘dire’ Raven. I can remember other ventures before that and they would all also justify the same label. Melanzana was just what Battersea Square required and long may it continue.

Give it a go!

The Butcher and Grill replaced the dismal Cafe Rouge and promised a lot with its good concept – top quality butcher and deli out the front, quality cooking out the back. The shop at least, in particular the butchery, was going to be a welcome addition to the area and it would be good to have some more dining options. Sadly, neither has delivered to the expectation.
I would not dispute that the shop and butcher sell quality produce, but the prices seem to be very much at the higher end of what would be expected. I have made last minute purchases here on a Sunday afternoon, but if you plan ahead and are prepared to travel a little further – Northcote Road or Elystan Street – you can find equally good meat for a keener price.
Where the concept really fails to deliver is in the restaurant. The service is ok and the menu is undoubtedly appealing, but the chefs don't seem able to produce the quality. The fact it is open from early (0830) to late is good, but my most recent visit for breakfast was very disappointing. I had full English, which was priced at £9.50. This is not the most expensive cooked breakfast in London, but it is certainly getting up there; I therefore expect top quality. Sadly, the cooking was particularly poor, with the fried eggs being particularly bad – I would have expected an option on poached, fried, scrambled. My wife's pancakes were no better being excessively thick and chewy.
It pains me to say this as the concept is good and when I get up on a Saturday or Sunday morning the thought is appealing and it is only a 5 minute walk, but I have to say that I would rather walk a little further, spend less and get a better meal.