Don’t let the bright purple – or should that be lavender – exterior of this venue put you off, it’s actually a very pretty little bar and eatery that holds its own in a very competitive area.

The Venue
Set on a corner of a quaint stretch of Lavender Hill, The Lavender is certainly eye catching with its garish purple frontage paying homage to its name. However, stepping inside the decor couldn’t be further from its eyesore exterior. The small space is filled with charming heavy wooden tables and chairs, a cluttered bar and serving area for food, and menus chalked up on blackboards. It’s quaint and instantly charming. Mosaic artwork and large overhanging lamps are nice decorative flourishes and large windows flood the space with light during the day. The pretty outdoor space with heaters is a nice touch, it’s just a shame it sits on a main road, which detracts from the peaceful setting they’ve tried to create. The Lavender has the kind of simplicity that is hard to fault. Now if they’d only repaint the front...

The Atmosphere
Pulling in yummy mummies and locals, The Lavender is laid back and welcoming. The staff are particularly friendly and it doesn’t feel too busy or hectic. If you want to escape it all then this is definitely a fine spot to do it. You won’t have to fight your way to the bar to get served or be sat waiting for hours for lunch. Bliss.

The Food
The Lavender changes its menu daily with pizzas on offer to eat in or take away with a minimum spend delivery service. What you can be certain of, however, are the incredibly well priced, delicious bruschettas. The goats' cheese bruschetta is delicious and comprises of baked aubergines with tangy, gooey goats' cheese, hot chillis and peppery basil on pizza bread with a delicious undertone of garlic. Priced at just £3.75 it’s incredible value for money and much more satisfying than the usual boring selection of sandwiches for lunch. Other options include Parma ham and tomato bruschetta, which cost £3-£4, with garlic bread available for £2.75. This menu is a real find.

The Drink
Row upon row of wine bottles and spirits immediately set the scene at the bar with the cluttered collection of alcohol getting you in the mood for a drink. However, the real stand outs are the cocktails, priced at just £4.50. Cocktails include a Black or White Russian, Moscow Mule, Pink Pussycat and Apple Pie. The White Russian comprises of a generous helping of cream and milk which balances the Kahlua and vodka perfectly, creating a sweetness that isn’t too overpowering. Definitely worth the low price tag.

The Last Word
A pleasant place for a drink or a quick bite to eat, The Lavender holds its own on a competitive stretch of Lavender Hill. Worth popping in if you’re in the area.

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