Proud of its complete independence and fair trade, fully traceable sources, The Idle Hour is a very enjoyable organic but completely functional gastropub, recommended not only to the green oriented.

The Venue
The Idle Hour is ideally located on Putney High Street but it is easy to walk by its inconspicuous entrance. Once inside, a long brick room leads to the large modern bar and then onto the main room at the back. Here, the decor is dominated by big, round clock faces from a bygone era - the trademark of The Idle Hour, which is for the rest simply furnished with basic dark wooden pieces and a corner of massive couches. The skylight and windows bring in the sun during the day: an ideal complement to the radiant atmosphere of the place.

The Atmosphere
With organic being the rule here, the crowd is predictably composed of couples and groups of eco-conscious friends, coming in for dinner and a bottle of wine. However, you do not need to don any shade of green to enjoy The Idle Hour: as their motto states, this place provides for ‘Time Well Spent’. It is very common to see patrons, not particularly interested in organic living, dropping in for the quality food and healthy wines.

The rooms here are warmed by quiet laughter and engaging conversations from the thirtysomething crowd: the general atmosphere remains relaxed, peaceful and intimate. While not a recommended spot for meeting new people, it is perfect to catch up with long-lost friends.

The Food
The organic menu is very eclectic and unusually structured. A bar selection of olives and nuts is complemented by cheese fondue to share, dim sum and deli boards (choice of bread, toppings and feta, roasted peppers, ham and more).

Starters and main courses come as a fixed deal for £10 and the choice is definitely palatable: seared scallops with chorizo and sweet corn puree, curried salmon and haddock fishcake with saffron mayo, and homemade organic steak and ale pie are just a few examples. The desserts are made entirely from scratch on site and the highlight is poached pears, mulled wine jellies with candied oranges.

The Drink
Spirits, beers and one house wine is all you will find. Within the beers (£3.25-£4.50 on draught, £3.25-£3.50 bottled), the choice is quite interesting: your pick between Redstripe, Hoegaaarden, Addlestones, Deuchards IPA, Cobra, Old Speckled Hen, Tiger and Bitburger.

Eight whites, three rose and ten reds are an organic feast of flavours dominated by the conscious Eden Collection. Choose between Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontes, Pinot Grigio, Chablis between the whites and Tempranillo, VDP Du L’Herault, Corbieres, Sangiovese from the reds. Surprisingly, prices are not excessive with small glasses at £3.25-£4.50, big ones costing £4.25-£5.50 and bottles priced at £12.50-£20.

And this is not all. The Idle Hour has a cocktail list as well. Classic (£6-£6.50) and Champagne-based (£7) drinks are accompanied by five interesting house mixes, like the fiery Gizmo: ginger infused Sputnik vodka, triple sec and cranberry. And if alcohol is not your thing, Bundaberg brewed soft drinks are sure to satisfy your curiosity. Great organic teas and coffees are available as well to help you pass time in the afternoon.

The Last Word
Organic but well stocked, The Idle Hour is a great little find for the health conscious but it is a good destination for everyone else.

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