address – 18 Market Row, Brixton, SW98LD
telephone: 0207 5019152
email: info@salonbrixton.co.uk
Salon has little changed in decor from its previous incarnation. Just a few more tables which are easier to sit at and the arrangement still allows for squeezing past with balanced plates. Downstairs is also now a place to dine on high stools.
The menu changes with the season and we arrived on Sunday for the brunch menu (choose from bar menu, cocktail menu, drinks menu not missing the extended menu). Brunch for five consists of hash browns to share (large rectangles of soft and crispy potatoes with truffle ketchup), bubble and squeak, Lamb Moussaka, Jerusalem artichoke salad and a fish finger sandwich. There was no complaint about the bubble and squeak with merguez sausage and with empty plates I can only assume this was great. The salad was good.
Then comes the “but”. Moussaka is made of aubergine and lamb, and although was well seasoned, the aubergine was described as “leathery” – better if it had been cooked before adding to the dish. The fish finger sandwich was just too oily and the addition of a large amount of garlicky aoili meant that it slithered around a lot and, although I like garlic, overwhelmed the fish. The accompanying pickle though was really great and I would have eaten more
For the dessert we had a couple of banana breads (lovely), a portion of almond and quince tart (also delicious) and a salted caramel brownie which was wonderful but definitely needed to be shared.
All washed down with tap water, Virgin Mary’s and a couple of orange juices (it was a hard Saturday night). We chose to drink tea and coffee with the dessert.
The bill came to £140.06 after we had paid a tip and the £1.00 to the street smart strategy. So not an overwhelming success but we will return and make better choices.
EATINBRIXTON 