There’s just something about brunch isn’t there? It’s a meal that’s endearingly chaotic, mashing together breakfast and dinner, an excuse for mimosas before 2pm and menus that are wholesome and comforting. When we heard The Table Southwark had opened a second brand in Battersea Rise offering their own exceptional tried and tested brunch menu, we had a table booked before you could say eggs benedict.
A twelve minute walk from Clapham Junction station and easily reachable by bus from other areas, The Table Cafe Battersea is a welcome addition to the area. It’s instantly recognisable by its outdoor terrace bordered with a blush pink fencing adorned with flowers. Industrial style tables and chairs beg for languid afternoons spent catching up over a coffee and pancakes while sat al fresco. Head inside and the interior is modern yet cosy, natural wood elements, stylish art adorning the walls and plenty of light.
We take a seat by the window – the ideal spot for people-watching and peruse the menu. With brunch served until 4pm and an evening menu of light bites and sharing small plates, it’s the ideal spot to head with friends or your partner no matter the time of day. The numerous plug sockets and chilled vibe also make it perfect for a co-working space if you want a change of scenery from working at home.
The Drinks at Table Cafe Battersea
I order a latte for my caffeine fix alongside a rum+raspberry passion cocktail from their ‘table faves’ section (it would be rude not to right?) Other drinks on the menu include classic cocktails such as margaritas, sours, old fashioned, mojitos, bellini and Bloody Mary just incase you’re getting over the night before. There are also a selection of beers & ciders, wines, shakes, smoothies, hot drinks and soft drinks depending on what you’re after.
The drinks arrive quickly and while the cocktail is smaller than I had expected, it both tastes and looks delicious.
The Food at Table Cafe Battersea
The food menu at The Table Cafe Battersea is just as tantalising as the drinks one and is set out to make it super easy to order. There are table specials including a ham hock + chorizo hash or a breakfast stack, burgers, salads, sauces and desserts.
You can also find brunch classics like a full English, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and a breakfast bruschetta as well as a dedicated benedict menu including eggs royale, eggs florentine and eggs benedict. You can add extras such as black pudding, avocado, griddled halloumi and steamed spinach to your eggs if you want to take them up a notch too! Last but not least is their waffles and pancakes selection with both savoury and sweet options on offer.
I opt for the breakfast stack, a combination of ham hock + chorizo baked beans on a toasted bagel, Cumberland sausage patty, two poached free-range eggs + hollandaise sauce. Having a weak spot for halloumi, I add this too, not caring that my eyes are most likely bigger than my stomach. My accompanying friend opts for the eggs benedict and we decide to go all out and get some berry pancakes to share for after the savoury dishes.
Food comes out quickly and efficiently and the staff offer service with a smile. They are attentive without being overbearingly so and it makes a real difference to the experience. The first thing we notice is just how impressive the portion sizes are and I start to wonder if I’ve overestimated just how hungry I am. My bagel is stacked with layers of beans, sausage and halloumi, with two poached eggs perched proudly on top, finished off with hollandaise sauce in the perfect quantity. It packs a punch with flavour and I like how they don’t scrimp, giving you real value for money which is something we don’t seem to get so much anymore.
The eggs benedict gets a similar seal of approval and when our pancakes get brought over a while later, these are the same. Thick layers of pancakes are sandwiched between creme fraiche and summer berry compote, with fresh berries on top and a dusting of icing sugar.
The food at The Table Cafe Battersea is all cooked with precision and presented in a way that’s not only instagram-worthy but also has substance behind it. In a time when many places focus on style over quality, it’s refreshing to find somewhere that has both.
We spend the afternoon sipping our cocktails, taking in the atmosphere and just letting the world go by. It’s the perfect spot for this and whether you decide to head for a weekend brunch with the girls, a date with your other half or a solo trip during the week, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. The hardest part here is choosing what to have from a menu that is varied with just enough to leave you torn, but not so much that they can’t focus on the quality of each individual plate.
We recommend sharing so you get a taste of multiple dishes (or just wearing your stretchiest pair of trousers and going all out – we won’t judge and you won’t be disappointed.)
To find out more about The Table Battersea and book your table, check out their website here. It’s brunching done right.
5-37 Battersea Rise
London
SW11 1HG
