Park’s Edge Bar and Kitchen

Herne Hill, London

Leafy Herne Hill in South East London is beginning to attract savvy independent restaurant operators who recognise its Zone 2 location and favourable rents when compared to more central locales. Park’s Edge Bar and Kitchen, opened last year, goes straight into the Rolodex under ‘excellent neighbourhood restaurants’. Head chef Tom Spinks has done the rounds at London’s fine-diners and has interpreted the owners’ vision of a modern, Caribbean-leaning menu brilliantly. Calypso garlic shrimp and Jamaican smoked herring are well-balanced starters, with a jerk-spiced pork shoulder main so meltingly well cooked, you could cut it with a lolly stick. It’s not all Carib-British fusion, though. Spinks’ Dorset lamb rump, carrot purée and purple kale is a bona fide example of well-executed meat and three veg. As a side, the grilled leek mac and cheese is excellent, though don’t leave without trying the fries (a good-value £3.95). Rum baba with banana cream and spiced cocoa is pick of the desserts. Brunch at weekends is a winner, as are the views out across Brockwell Park.

parksedgebarandkitchen.com