London: Tea Time in Wonderland

The entrance of this pub is just magnificent. Look at those pillars, the ceramic tiles, the sculpted top. Not very often do you see any like these. I can’t help but wonder what its history was.

Inside, there are two atmospheres to choose from -  the inviting leather sofas close to the bar or a few steps up the gastropub side, more meal oriented. Large windows bathe the room in natural, golden light. The wallpaper was created from hundreds of pictures from yesteryear and I guarantee you will find yourself wandering around to get a closer look and might even realise your dish had arrived a few minutes ago without you noticing. Here and there frames show past publicities and engravings. Your gaze will inevitably be drawn to the chimney with its collection of rainbow-like butterflies. Recently refurbished, its decoration finds inspiration in the past -  both a simple and complex comfortable feeling and it will feed conversations for quite a while.

Step outside -  the summer garden surrounds the building, teak tables and benches under red parasols. We love that it is kid friendly with a play area at the back, a plastic house and floor puzzles. The locals know it well and come to enjoy a quiet family time there. The children menu offers a nice selection of dishes (always nice to see more than pasta!) and dessert even includes fairycakes to be decorated with chocolate buttons and hundreds and thousands -  a real hit with little ones. On a sunny day, it is ydillic and you could easily stay from lunch to dinner. Although you might want to go for a stroll in West Dulwich to burn a few calories in between!

I originally visited during the week and was seduced at how peaceful it was. There were a few other guests near my table but no one rushed, it had this take-your-time feeling to it. I nestled close to a window to enjoy a ray of sunshine while escaping the autumn breeze. Rather than proposing pages of choices, the menu focuses on 13 options, all cooked to perfection (yes, I spied the other tables’ orders). Why not try the Moroccan chicken skewers (£8)? The tabouleh was moist and fragrant, beautiful texture with shallots, tomatoes, coriander. The meat was marinated in hot paprika, each mouthful yummier than the precedent. And what a great idea to have added saffron and cumin to the raita, such a different note! The sauce was generous too -  enough to wrap the chicken in and flavour the tabouleh. Add a plate of olives and you might pretend you are on holiday.

Another nice suprise – the pub has a selection of Meantime beers. My favourite micro-brewery. Their London Lager just goes with any kind of food – give it a try!

Now - I never, ever resist an Eton Mess. There is something so sweet about it. This one is succulent with a home made fruit syrup and gorgeous raspberries whithin each spoonful. Needless to say it disappeared in no time…

Such a relaxing atmosphere that I took my family back there on Sunday. The kids were so busy playing with others that we barely saw them -  if you are a parent, you know how precious this is. We devoured huge hamburgers with a touch of spicy salsa, nibbled on home made chips that make you forget what ketchup is. The sky turned slowly pink above us and my 5-year-old daughter had the perfect conclusion “Can we come back here soom? It’s soooo great!”.

The Rosendale (part of The Renaissance group, more beautiful places to discover)
65 Rosendale Rd
West Dulwich SE21 8EZ

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of The Rosendale

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