At the top of the Hill, beyond the large sporting establishment where the price of strawberries is astronomical and the degree of patriotism is bordering on illogical, Lydon’s resides; a traditional establishment in Wimbledon Village serving classic European fare in a refined atmosphere.

The Venue
Visiting Lydons is nothing new yet it can be described as a refreshing experience; firstly, there is no unnecessarily loud music system to create a forced ambience, and secondly, the waiting staff don’t ditch the attribute of friendliness when things get a tad busy. The dining area is a small yet elegant space, dominated by the wallpaper - a winding gold floral pattern set against a deep green.

The Atmosphere
The low key and traditional surroundings of Lydons reflect the calm and measured approach of the staff, instilling an atmosphere of professionalism. As a result, the clientele consist of Wimbledon’s mature and intellectual elite. Yes, things are different here at the top of the Hill.

The Food
A very reasonable set lunch menu is available at Lydons with all manner of traditional yet delectable British and European dishes, including steak and kidney pie served with baby potatoes and Savoy cabbage. Rather curiously, the steak and kidney filling is cooked separately and presented on the plate with a circle of puff pastry placed on top like a saucepan lid: Not that this distracts your attention from the beautifully cooked ingredients and wonderful puff pastry that explodes into flaky fragments the moment a fork comes into contact with it.

As a starter, the mixed vegetable soup is lively, consistent and bursting with familiar yet wholly rewarding flavours from the English countryside. The superiority of the cuisine continues to impress on the a la carte menu with a list of mouthwatering dishes such as Steak Diane, grilled fillet of salmon on a bed of spinach, and charcoal grill calves liver. The trolley of fresh fish, which greets you upon your arrival before the waiter does, also contains a variety of delicious options each day including tuna steak, lobster, sea bass and swordfish.

The Drink
The menu of authentic wines contains, among many others, Sancerre le Petit Broux, a charming white wine with a hint of gooseberry and some wonderfully tropical overtones for a crisp accompaniment to the meal. For those who require red, the Italian Brunello di Montalcino is a dark and full-bodied option with a hard finish.

The Last Word
For those who seek a distinguished establishment in SW19, the unassuming Lydons is a sensible option in this desirable area of Wimbledon, which provides a classic example of London village luxury.

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