Bellefields in Brixton offering a contemporary Mediterranean experience

There is a little corner of South London offering the diner a contemporary Mediterranean experience in a courtyard no less.

Luckily enough, the autumnal weather is still clement enough not to drive people indoors just yet.

Bellefields in Brixton recently welcomed executive chef Luis Telo, and he’s quickly made his mark introducing a menu that’s nothing short of fabulous.

With lots of time to kill prior to my noon lunch, I ducked into the nicer of the high street coffee chains.

Little did I know that Bellefields offers work space and private club membership so I could have started my visit earlier than planned.

Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Brixton’s main throng, and at the end of an unassuming street is Bellefields, and it’s this distance that gives way to a feeling of exclusivity.

I felt a tingle as I arrived and was surprised to find front of house more welcoming than you might expect from such a cool place.

The central bar screams cocktails and the £10 average price point came as a bit of a shock.

Sadly, I was unable to take advantage of the alcoholic ones, so the very many teetotal choices were very pleasing to see.

The starter menu is a criss-cross through the Med, foot stepping through Spain and Italy and down through Greece.

Fresh Sicilian anchovies quickly caught my eye and were sensational.

So good were they that it made it difficult to give any of these other dishes our full attention.

Lomo and bresola, you both know how much I love you, normally but there was no competition.

The mixed olives disappointed a little, the black ones on the softer side than I’d normally like.

Chef Luis’s fresh pasta is bringing the crowds in, so we had to go this way.

Taleggio stuffed gnocchi, with cherry tomatoes, garlic and parmesan provided the opportunity but also helped to fight a fear.

I rarely eat gnocchi as I have it buried somewhere deeply that it’s heavy, stodgy and doesn’t leave room to each much else. I stand corrected.

Chef’s potato parcels were light and fluffy inside with a crispy outer to enable a coating of sauce but protecting the flavours inside.

Cheese oozed out for a divinely tasty finish.

Ricotta and black truffle tortellini, shaved truffle showcased the finesse of chef’s fresh pasta.

My friend was a fan immediately.

Our lunchtime visit didn’t afford us long enough for dessert or to try many more dishes but it’s a menu worthy of a return visit.

Stand-out dishes include rabbit cacciatore, herb polenta and whole plaice mariniere, with sea vegetables.

Bellefields, The Department Store, 9 Stockwell Avenue, SW9 9SY.

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The next Wandsworth Common Beer Festival takes place on October 26-29 October.

With 100 cask ales it is South London’s largest attended independent beer festival.

There will be street food and live entertainment.

Held at Le Gothique, inside the historic Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, just off Wandsworth Common, tickets start at £12 and guests will receive two half pint tokens.

For more information go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wandsworth-common-halloween-beer-cider-festival-2022-tickets-401588521077

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Battersea Power Station is open to the public, offering shops, events, bars and restaurants, all under one roof.

At Control Room B – it’s cocktails all day, amid the backdrop of the original dials and controls of the power station.

Poke House, Crosstown and Clean Kitchen Club are all open.

 

 

Fabulous food at Bellefields / Picture: Bellefields