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Magdalen
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Tooley Street with its old warehouses, tacky London Dungeon-style attractions and giant office developments doesn’t look quite the place to find a snug and smart modern restaurant, so the Magdalen comes as a very attractive surprise. It’s extremely comfortable, with discreetly elegant, understated decor and a slightly hushed atmosphere in its ground- and first-floor dining rooms. The frequently changing seasonal menus are imaginative and notably refined, and show admirable ambition. Duck ham with peas and mint made a lively starter full of freshness; a warm squid and saffron salad was less memorable than our other choices, but still pleasant. Meats seem to be handled exceptionally well, as in a wonderfully tender roast Middle White pork loin with sage and potato gratin, but roast cod was deliciously smooth too, served with potato purée and a perfectly balanced red pepper vinaigrette. This left us happily satisfied, but it was hard to miss the fresh desserts, like an unfeasibly light french toast with apricot jam and vanilla ice. Service is charming, presentation very pretty. The wine list stays close to classic European regions, and could do with more variety in the lower price range.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
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See also
- London's most romantic restaurants
Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
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Details
- 152 Tooley Street, London Bridge, SE1 2TU
- Area: London Bridge
- Tel: 020 7403 1342
- Website
- Book online
- Category: British
- Travel: London Bridge tube/rail
- Times: Lunch served noon-2.30pm Mon-Fri. Dinner served 6.30-10.30pm Mon-Sat
- Price: Main courses £13.50-£21.50
- Credit cards: AmEx, MC, V
- Services:
- Child facilities: Babies and children admitted
- Disabled: toilet
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I'm a tall, educated, northern man with a bit grit and a lot charm. I enjoy conversation and ideas, and am always up to try new experiences. Not...
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This is a relatively small intimate restaurant. Beware of going as a couple, if you are seated next to a large group you can't hear your self think!
This restaurant has made its name serving a traditional and unusual menu. It features items such as pigs head. The menu changes seasonly and there is emphasis on the importance of sourcing individual items for high quality.
I found it very hard to find food on the menu which sounded appealing to me. I am a meat eater but would not eat items such as foie gras or kidney. I had a crap terrine to start which was nice. The main course however was forgettable, and very small.
Magdalen produce small portions of extremely rich food ( especially the desserts). It can leave you feeling a little sick rather than full. At an average of £17 for a main course there are many more appealing london restaurants.
The can be praised for their extensive wine list, which can be viewed through their website.
Do not consider this restaurant if you are dining with a vegetarian, they will feel a bit excluded with one menu choice. And perhaps a bit bitter at the price. £13.50 seems pricey for a shallot tart.
The type of place you would only go once.
Great food in a cool space, not noisy yet not like a library. Service is pleasant and unintrusive although a little streched at lunch time.
Very interesting menu with seasonal focus and very high quality ingredients.
Wine list is eclectic.