A chic yet relaxed local brasserie – perfect for brunch with friends.

The Venue
Joes Brasserie is part of the well regarded Brinkley’s group which also includes Brinkley’s in Chelsea and the Wine Factory in Westbourne Grove among others. Sitting in the middle of Fulham’s Wandsworth Bridge Road, it’s a location that caters more for the local residents than for London’s transport links – it’s a good 15 minute walk from Fulham Broadway tube. But if you’re prepared to hunt it out, you will find a pretty building with a small heated terrace at the front surrounded by flower boxes.

The Atmosphere
The interior is classic French brasserie style – cream and grey muted tones and coffee coloured stripped floorboards offset by lovely bronze bevelled mirrors. A bar runs along the right hand side with leather aluminium stools. The atmosphere is that of a fun, down to earth neighbourhood restaurant, bustling with local Fulhamites creating a light, bubbly ambience. If you’ve ever been to a Cafe Rouge or a Browns, it is the same vibe, without the feel of a chain.

The Food
As you would expect, the food is very much classic brasserie food. Starters include oak smoked salmon with grilled pitta, rocket, horseradish and lemon. Smoked salmon can sometimes taste a bit fishy, but this salmon is good quality – fresh and delicate in flavour. The risotto with wild mushrooms, parsley and parmesan could do with being a little more al dente, but is a pleasant dish.

Brasserie classic mains like moules et frites and steak and chips are done simply and well. For the latter, the fillet steak is tender and served with a creamy Bearnaise sauce and fluffy chips. The Randalls lamb burger is so called after the excellent and well known Randalls butcher on the Wandsworth Bridge Road, and it doesn’t disappoint. The unusual tzatziki accompaniment works well. Homemade fish cakes with spinach, tomato salsa and tartare sauce are also a tasty classic.

Some Asian dishes seem to have slipped onto the menu, and jar slightly with the modern French British food manifesto. But the steamed chicken dim sum with sweet soy sauce is very good, if slightly out of place! For pudding enjoy a classic chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream or delicious Italian cheese selection with walnuts and honey. The weekend breakfasts served from 11am are popular as well, dishing up good Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and smoked chicken hash.

The Drink
The bar serves up great cocktails and there is a happy hour from 6-8pm, but the Brinkley’s chain is really known for its wines. They pride themselves on the fact that their wines are all sold at wine shop retail prices, rather than the usual overblown restaurant prices. There are 15 whites and 15 reds from £10 for an Argentinean Norton Red to Tignarello Red at £59. A bottle of Brinkley’s Brut sparkling wine is only about £20. They claim that their wines are the best value in London, which can only be a good thing!

The Last Word
If you’re looking for a simple and well-executed brasserie experience with a relaxed vibe, this is the place for you.

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