Cool but cosy, the Oval Lounge is a lovely little gastrobar that brings some longed-for chic to this South London street with all day food, cracking cocktails and late-night weekends.

The Venu
The cool cats of Kennington don’t have much choice when it comes to local venues in which they can preen, party or just lounge around. With the low lights, funky decor and comfy leather sofas at The Oval Lounge, they can do all three. Laid-back vibes abound, there is a lingering sense of something brewing just under the surface so this is a great place to grab a few drinks before you head on somewhere else, especially as it’s located just a two minute walk from Oval tube station.

The Atmosphere
Open until midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oval Lounge can get a bit hectic at the weekend. Generally the clientele are classy locals and undoubtedly regulars, judging from the greetings given from all corners almost every time the door opens. Some of the staff could seem a little frosty if you’re not a regular, but gradually the ice thaws and an altogether more pleasant atmosphere presents itself.

The Food
Breakfast at Oval Lounge is served between 10am-5pm on the weekends (10am-12.30pm during the week) so if you’re in the area feeling slightly the worse for wear, the eggs benedict (£6.40) is worth staying awake for, as is the Full English (£7.45).

Dinner gets a bit more complicated. Alongside gastro favourites such as char-grilled burgers (£8.50), Cumberland sausages (£8.95) and braised lamb shank (£11.95), specials such as seabass fillet (£11.50) and chicken chasseur (£9.50) make an appearance. As is often the case with food-serving bars, it’s advisable to stick with the things you’d expect them to do well. Even then, at £13.95 for the sirloin steak, it can arrive slightly cold and drowned in red wine jus. The specials are also presented beautifully, but everything tastes just a little too greasy. Desserts are guaranteed winners, however, with delights such as Baileys creme brulee (£4.75) and warm sticky toffee pudding (£4.80).

The Drink
The cocktail list at Oval Lounge is modest – the usual suspects include Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, Long Island Ice Tea – but they taste good and cost only £7. The wine list is quite small for a place that looks so much like a sophisticated wine bar, but the selection of ten whites, two roses and twelve reds (£13-£26 bottle) should ensure you find something you fancy.

If not, there is plenty of choice when it comes to bottled or draught beer (from £3.40). On draught they have Stella Artois, Becks Vier, Peeterman Artois, Staropramen, Leffe Blonde and Guinness, with bottles of Budweiser, Corona, San Miguel, Brahma, Hoegaarden, Artois Bock, Magners and Spitfire available. They also have an impressive selection of premium spirits.

The Last Word
The best place in the area to pop in if you have a hangover or are on your way to getting one. A welcoming meeting spot for South Londoners, Oval Lounge makes a good place for a peaceful catch up or a party-starter.

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