Restaurant Review: Sylvan Oak, Earlsfield

Rabbit Loin with Rabbit Leg Pastille

The staff beamed as we walked into Sylvan Oak for dinner. All of the guests were being greeted warmly, but as they took our names, our welcome became extra bright due to a surprise I'd organised for later in the evening. But first it was time to take a look at the menus.

We were given some warm homemade bread, fragrant with fennel seeds, and olives to snack on while we looked at the menus. There were lots of appealing options on the relatively compact menu, containing six mains and five starters and puddings. We both decided to skip starters and head straight for the main courses.

I had the Rabbit Loin and Bacon with Rabbit Leg Pastille, Mustard & Honey Glazed Chantelle Carrots. The rabbit loin came topped with a piece of black pudding that was full of flaovur and not too rich. The rabbit leg came wrapped in filo pastry that also hid some couscous inside.

The dish looked great and streaks of mustard hiding under the jus added a bite to the whole dish. I would have enjoyed a bit more mustard and a little pot on the side would have gone down well.

Harissa Roast South Down Lamb Rump

Becks chose the Harissa Roast South Down Lamb Rump with Crushed Pea, Goats Cheese & Potato Millefeuille, Aubergine & Spicy Tomato Sauce. I thought it could have been a brave combination of flavours as both harissa and goats cheese can dominate a dish. I shouldn't have been surprised to find that they were both spot on, with the mellow harissa providing a gentle warmth and the goats cheese adding a creamy dimension.

Our mains were accompanied by a couple of glasses of the Minervois La Touge from Chateau Maris, which was a great recommendation from the wine list.

Hot Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream

I wanted to make an occasion out of giving Becks her engagement ring now that it had been re-sized and she could wear it for the first time. I got in touch with the restaurant a couple of days before our visit and asked them to help create a special dessert which they did brilliantly.

There wasn't quite the same reaction as when I originally proposed, but I am happy to report the answer hadn't changed!

Rhubard cheesecake

My dessert was the dish of the evening, the Rhubarb Cheesecake with an Assortment of Rhubarb Delight. The rhubarb cheesecake was topped with a rhubarb jelly and pieces of stewed rhubarb, all with a rhubarb ice cream on the side.

The service throughout the evening was friendly, knowledgeable and excellent conspirators in helping me organise a little surprise. At £30 for two courses and £36 for three I also think it represents great value for the standard of food and service that you get.


Sylvan Oak
560 Garratt Lane
Wandsworth
London
SW17 0NY