The London restaurant trade seems to thrive on change. While a few of the classic ground-breaking restaurants of the eighties and early nineties are still in existence, very few are still under the same ownership or management. Not so Ransomes Dock. Under the steady hand of chef-owner Martin Lam, this restaurant has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 1992.
We are all huge fans. It has been the scene of many a Goedhuis celebration, as the delicious and never overly fussy food matches a truly outstanding and sensibly priced wine list. We are not in the least surprised that the AA has just awarded them their Wine List of the Year. A thoroughly deserved accolade.
I dropped in for a bite of lunch yesterday, and was again bowled over by the excellence of the cooking. Meltingly tender lamb with earthy girolles and spring onion mash – this is proper food. The service is friendly, efficient and, a rare treat nowadays, English-speaking. And for that most uncommon of occurrences, a warm summer’s day, there is a terrace overlooking the river.
After a recent dinner James Low positively waxed lyrical. While our MD, Tom, back from Hong Kong briefly, has visited a record nine times in just three weeks.
The only slight drawback, for those of us who don’t live in Battersea, is the location. Tucked on the South Bank of the river to the west of Battersea Park it does rather defy approach by public transport. However, we can’t recommend it highly enough. So get in your car, get a taxi or even get on a bike – head over to Parkgate Road and eat at Ransomes Dock.