Loft - Clapham, The

Historically dominated by chains and cheap eats, Clapham High Street can now welcome The Loft, a dining experience on another level. Whether feasting, brunching or just bar snacking, diners at The Loft will enjoy some interesting food. Seasonal British produce forms the bedrock of head chef Marianne Wit's modern European menu.

Formerly of Michelin starred The Glasshouse in Kew, Marianna's aim is to deliver delicious dishes that are familiar but with a twist. To this end the cream sauce for the rope grown mussels is spiked with dill and star anise and the toad in this hole is chorizo.

Careful sourcing is a paramount concern, pork comes from outdoor reared Gloucester Old Spot pigs, all fish is from sustainable sources, including line-caught sea bass and organically farmed trout, steaks come from beef that has been hung for nineteen days and marigold-hued yolks stand testament to the quality of eggs from acorn fed, free range hens. This responsible attitude is continued after the meal is over, with waste oil being sent for processing into bio fuel.

Away from the main menu, The Loft maintains the same high standards. Brunchers have the agony of deciding between delights that include wild rabbit rillettes with sourdough toast, Vacherin rarebit and a Full English that boasts Stornaway black pudding, artisinal sausages and Guinness and black treacle cure bacon. Even those simply wanting to graze at the bar will find salt cod croquettes with aioli, a twice roasted pork belly sourdough sandwich and a good, old-fashioned house burger with chunky chips.

In this new venture, brothers James and Andy Campana of the award winning Plan B in Brixton, have created a bar offering that is every bit equal to the restaurant. With over fifty innovative creations, cocktails are divided into user-friendly categories like Crowd Pleasers, Infusions and Concoctions and Plan B Favourites, with Shakers and Movers paying homage to some of the best bartenders in the world.

A strong but succinct wine list quickly encompasses a range from great value Mendoza Valley house red and white, through the likes of Puligny Montrachet Chavy 2005 and Reserve de Leoville Barton 2001, to Louis Roederer Cristal 2000. Excellent international draft and bottled beers, such as Sleeman Honey Brown Beer and Coopers Sparkling Ale and a lengthy catalogue of premium spirits complete the picture.