Seafood with a French twist served up in delightful nautical kitsch surroundings.

The Venue
Lobster Pot is a bit of a legend in this corner of Kennington, having been serving up seafood with a French accent for over 15 years. On the corner of an unassuming Kennington street the Lobster Pot could easily be overlooked from the outside. But through its doors lurks a deliciously quirky restaurant which is truly individual.

The Atmosphere
Lobster Pot is an eccentric celebration of nautical kitsch. The restaurant interior has been decorated in the traditional style of a ship. Not just a nod here or there, but in such a fabulously full-on way that you almost believe you’re on the high seas. Blue and white striped drapes and fishing nets decorate the wood panelled walls. Original ship port holes and Lobster Pot branded lifebelts are dotted amongst the ship paraphernalia such as ship communication machines. To top it all off, a wave and seagull soundtrack is piped into the restaurant through speakers. The waiters dressed in ‘30s Rat Pack suits complete a slightly surreal but very amusing atmosphere for those happy to enter into the spirit of things.

The Food
Lobster Pot is all about the fish and seafood, with staff going to the Billingsgate and New Covent Garden markets each morning to get the ingredients. Start off with rock oysters served with lemon and a shallot vinegar that is the right measure of tanginess without being too acidic. The honey roasted smoked salmon served with caper mayonnaise on warm blinis is delicious, the honey flavour delicate enough not to overpower the salmon. A traditional homemade fish soup served with rouille, gruyere cheese and crunchy croutons is also very good.

The famous lobster is obviously a popular choice – they will serve the lobster however you prefer, and most people choose to have it simply grilled with melted garlic butter. A host of other fish options are also available: the fillet of monkfish is nicely accompanied with wild mushrooms and a light Pernod sauce, and a pan-fried skate wing with brown butter and capers is simple and very well done. If the choice is all too much, a lot of people go for the surprise eight course menu which is £44.50 with lobster, or £39.50 without. For dessert, the fluffy pancakes stuffed with creme brulee and topped with a raspberry sauce is a great choice. The punchy French cheese board is tantalising, served with a glass of Port Barros vintage character port.

The Drink
Start with a traditional Kir cocktail, a mix of white wine and blackcurrant crème, and an ambrosial champagne cocktail made with vine peach liquor is also a good choice. An imaginative wine list, all from France, starts at £14.50. The Sancerre Fouassier El Vino 2005 is a perfect accompaniment to the lobster. A selection of ports and cognacs are available as well.

The Last Word
If you like your seafood served with a generous handful of eccentric French humour, you will fall in love with this place.

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