Under the Archway: Battersea’s hidden restaurant and wine bar.
- Where? Battersea Park station, Arch 65 Queen’s Circus, Nine Elms, London SW8 4NE
- How much? ££
- Cuisine? Seasonal & International, great selection of wines
- Vegetarian options 🌽 – Yes
- Vegan options 🌱 – limited, on request
- Gluten free options 🌾 – limited, on request
- Dog friendly? No
It wasn’t until recently that I discovered Archway, a discreet restaurant and wine bar nestled on the border of Battersea Park. Carved into the industrial arches of a railway bridge, this camouflaged speakeasy is easy to miss. Though Archway is seemingly off the “radar,” don’t be fooled. This popular spot is near impossible to book, and once you peel back the curtain that guards its entrance, you’ll be met by a lively release of energy and vibrancy.
Behind the mysterious allure of its grey brick exterior is a clinically pristine dining space. A bright blaze of white from head to toe, with radiant lighting and sparkling countertops. Though the space is small, its design makes it feel spacious, sophisticated, and modern. The echoing of chatter and the clinking of wine glasses still creates a feeling of intimacy, without appearing crowded or constricted. I loved the overall vibe inside, and am still in awe at how such a small and unassuming location can feel so immense, yet cosy at the same time.
The Food
We were seated at the chef’s counter, eagerly watching as flatbread was tossed into a wood-fired oven, dishes were carefully assembled, and pasta was blanketed in pecorino. There is a range of menu items, from pasta dishes to grilled meats, as well as some mouthwatering flatbreads to start.
Archway also offers a select range of wines and some carefully crafted cocktails. We opted for a dry January mocktail on this occasion, which was absolutely delicious, and I’d order the Botivo Spritz again without hesitating. It was was perfectly balanced with hints of both sweet and bitter.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, with great food, fantastic service and generally, a lovely vibe. The service is incredibly accommodating, welcoming and really quick, which made the visit even more special!
Flatbread, bone marrow butter – £12
9/10 – First up, we ordered the bone marrow butter flatbread, which absolutely lived up to expectations. The flatbread itself is delicious, incredibly light and fluffy with a subtle smokey char. I was pleasantly surprised by the modest taste of the bone marrow, which can sometimes be overwhelming. It was perfectly delicate and not too salty – trust me when I say you’ll be savouring the butter lake centre of this one!
Cavatelli, wild boar ragù – £24
6.5/10 – Me and my friend Ana are unintentionally trialling the ragù at each of London’s pasta hotspots! Having tasted a few across London now, I feel as though it is fair to give my honest opinion. Whilst overall the flavors were there, with tender meat that fell apart, it wasn’t my favourite ragù. The pasta itself didn’t pair well with the meat, with a chewy, thick texture similar to gnocchi. The ratios also seemed off, with a heavy loading of pasta and not enough meat to match. It tasted nice in general, but just felt a little clumsy.
Cavolo nero (v) – £5
5/10 – The Cavolo Nero was nice and crisp, but ultimately, it was just a side of kale. The flavours were very simple and didn’t do much to enhance the side. I would have preferred it served a little warmer, with more crunchy almonds to top.
Zucchini scapece (v) – £5
7/10 – This dish was a lovely addition to the meal. The pickled zing of the zucchini was perfect, not too overpowering, and the textures were spot on. Slightly too oily for my personal preference, but that wouldn’t stop me ordering again!
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed my review of Archway, Battersea! For more London foodie plans made easy, make sure to subscribe to Calendar Girl Blog, or head to my socials linked below:
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