The Lobster Pot situated on the corner of a noisy major road junction in Kennington, this rather dirty old grey London building certainly did not lean itself to what I was expecting. I think the fact that the main door was decidedly locked didn’t help. This was looking more like a very suspect area with a “get me out of here” feel. However I needn’t have worried, with a few bangs on the door, it flew open and there in the doorway stood our very excitable host Herve Regent, including huge handlebars moustache and winning smile!

He took us to our table where we were surrounded by the sounds of squarking seagulls. The interior was decked out (if you excuse the pun) of the inside of a large boat complete with portholes and live fish swimming past! On the ceiling hung enormous fishing nets. As we purused the setting a ships loud foghorn blasted into life! Nearly scared the pants of me!

I began to forget the ugly surroundings outside and concentrated on the eight course menu in front of me. I was in awe and had gone to gastro heaven! There’s no mistaking their intention here, every meal is a feast! There is no doubt this guy is a specialist in fish. When most of us are still in the land of nod, Herve is on his early morning wanderings around Billingate Fish Market in the heart of the city to discover some strange new fish to put on the menu.

The surprise came at the end, we actually managed to finish all the eight courses! Fantastic evening, superb service and unusual but delightful surroundings.

Herve even accompanied all six of us across that busy road junction to the waiting taxi’s with the passion only a frenchman can muster.

Tags : London Restaurant, UK Restaurant, United Kingdom