It might be early days to officially start classing South London as ‘Down Under’ but the 4th instalment of antipodean Jason Wells mighty Australian inspired gastro pub Brew is certainly helping the title grow. Situated on Richmond road in the leafy superb of Putney, Brew serves an array of classy locals and keen adventurers who appreciate a walk-about to a location slightly off the beaten track (approx. 15 minutes from Putney station). During our lunch visit the restaurant was packed and turning over tables at a regular rate, with fast friendly service from the waters buzzing about the open plan bar.
A good way to start your dining experience at Brew is by reading the rather amusing cocktail list. Including drink titles such as Dingo’s Got My Baby and Bogan Bundy, ordering one of these will leave you feeling like you’ve just drunk a can of Man-Up. Being relatively early in the day when we visited, the Breakfast Time Martini seemed like the most sensible idea. Made with gin, earl grey, lemon, and thyme, shaken on plenty of ice and poured over a cooked quails egg. It was so pleasantly light and easy to drink I could barely tell there was alcohol in it – dangerously good in other words. If you’re the squeamish kind and don’t like the idea of an egg floating around the bottom of your drink, then try the more traditional hair-of-the dog remedy, the Brew Bloody Mary, served with fresh chilli and a slice of buttered vegemite toast for good measure.
Chef Farkhod Najtmetdinov is not strictly sticking to Aussie classics however, the kitchen is mixing things up with big bold American flavours, such as southern-style corn fritters served with tomato chutney and aioli, and fish shack favourite soft shell crab burger with fries. But Brew doesn’t stop its international influences there. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, then why not do it Italian-style with a wood-fired pizza from their handmade clay oven (in which they bake their own bread as well), or even more exotic, Turkish eggs poached and served with hung yoghurt and hot chilli butter. The latter dish is best enjoyed as breakfast in bed – literally, as Brew offers Bedouin inspired beds with exotically coloured blankets and fabrics from Indonesia. Get under the covers and have your food served to you like how your neglectful spouse should do at home, but doesn’t. How awesome is that?
Other dishes tasted on our visit include saffron seafood risotto washed down with a New Zealand pinot gris, conjuring up feelings of basking in the sun by the sea. During the warmer months this would be the ideal dish to eat on the terrace. Made with reclaimed timber decking, it features a fresh herb garden as well as an impressive 150 year-old olive tree; it’s the perfect alfresco dining experience. The only thing missing is the BBQ… no wait, Brew has that backyard delight covered as well. Visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening and have a big bad New York 500g, 42-day aged sirloin steak cooked to your mouth-watering meaty perfection on the smoking grill. Big flavours for big appetites.
As if you needed anymore encouragement to get your table at Brew booked a.s.a.p., on top of all this culinary and alcoholic delight there is also the chance to chill out with Wednesday ‘La Luna’ film nights. Sit back and enjoy a meal with friends or family whilst being entertained by film classics such as Dirty Dancing on the big screen. What’s left to say? Chuck us a coldie and fire up the barbie. No worries mate.
Brew Cafe: 162-164 Lower Richmond road Putney SW15 1LY
Opening times: 7am – 11pm, Monday – Sunday
T: 020 8789 8287
Written by Justina Terese, Food Writer and Recipe Developer www.foodforaking.com