Date night at Hide and Seed in Putney’s Lodge Hotel
By EMILY BENNION
I was recently invited to experience a night at Hide and Seed in the beautiful Lodge Hotel, which is hidden away in Putney. The hotel has been established for some time but the restaurant is only a few weeks old (although you would never tell as they are already running a smooth and seamless service!).
Hide and Seed is located in Putney
The head chef, Ricardo Soares, has created a refreshingly different menu based on his Portuguese and Mozambican heritage. Vegetables are as important to the menu as the meat and fish. The inventive and detailed menu even expands to the cocktails, which are well worth a try alone.
On arrival, my partner and I were greeted by the charming staff and encouraged to enjoy one of the fascinating cocktails at the bar. We tried a glass of the ‘Bloomin’ Brilliant’ (vodka, lemon juice, beetroot and mint) and ‘Madagascar Plantation’ (a combination of rum and prosecco), both were pretty unusual but delicious nevertheless. The bar is stylish and comfortable but having had a sneak peek at the menu earlier in the day, I was pretty eager to get to the table.
Hide and Seed is a great place for a romantic date
The focus of Hide and Seed is most certainly their menu; every aspect of it is thought through in great detail with even their butter including a hint of lemon and chilli.
The menu was littered with unique and wonderful dishes such as ‘Crispy Pig’, a 22 hour cooked pig’s head with smoked jam and crispy pig’s ear. Whilst my boyfriend was brave enough to tuck into that for starters, I tried a chicken and chorizo dish with wild mushrooms. Both were immaculately presented and very tasty.
The main course quickly followed and I chose a sirloin steak, while my boyfriend opted for the cabrito goat! To say we were blown away with the meal is an understatement. The meat was expertly cooked and accompanied by ketchup and roasted salsify. There were a number of other unique choices on the menu which caught my eye as well, including seared mutton with fragrant pickled vegetables.
Pudding was just as wonderful but we were both on best behaviour, so decided just to share a chocolate arrangement. There were many more inventive items on offer, such as the spiced butternut squash brulee.
The food was beautifully presented
With space for 12 in the library-style dining room, it proved an intimate experience that was perfect for a date. However, there is space for a further 10-15 in the bar area with larger tables in a more relaxed setting.
It is well-worth a trip south of the river to explore the unique and exquisite menu. Alternatively, you can always pop in for a cocktail mid-summer in their peaceful secluded garden.
Hide and Seed is located at The Lodge Hotel, 52-54 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 2RN. Bookings can be made by calling +44 (0)20 8874 1598 or emailing hide@thelodgehotellondon.com
