The Venue
Nip around the corner from The Clapham North and you’ll find a doorway in the wall. Follow this door upstairs and you’ll soon discover a winter shack in all its old school ski-chalet glory. Wooden clad, candle-lit and cosy, The Lodge is twee little den of tartan cushions and après-ski – all that’s missing is the snow (god damn you global warming). Perfectly sized and not overdone like some, this Lodge channels a slice of Verbier with classic, cabin style.
The Food and Drink
Fondue. Naturally. Coming 2 ways, you have a choice of West Country Fondue or a Swiss Fondue (the key difference here being the alcoholic base – namely cider if you’re from the West Country or le vino for le Swisse). Channelling Verbier, we went for the Swiss Fondue sharer (£24pp) which comes with a medley of buttered new potatoes, crusty bread chunks and salad. Add some Charcuterie and pickles to the plate for an extra £12 and you’ve got yourself a hot pot of gooey Gruyere and cured meat heaven. Dunk with glee.
For those looking to also dabble in the small plate offering, The Lodge has a healthy menu of winter warming plates to tuck in to. Gin cured salmon (£8), crispy pork belly (£8) and the pickled mushrooms with a fried duck egg on toast (£8) made for some delicious starter dishes. The finale of the night was the passion fruit, white chocolate and pistachio baked Alaska (£16); a meringue smothered dreamboat perfect for sharing.
Keeping to après-ski traditions, the alcohol offering includes a sweet, meringue topped hot buttered rum (£8) as well as your classic mulled wine (£4.80).
The fun of fondue and sharing plates can be found at The Lodge.
The Atmosphere
Nothing makes for a winter atmosphere more than a cup of mulled wine. Bathe in the land of the Swiss with cheese galore and meaty bites – it’d not quite the Alps but it’s close enough. The space isn’t too big which owes for what feels like a more personal service; there was a few birthday songs to enjoy. The Lodge is ideal for a chilled evening meal that’s laid-back, comforting and minimal effort right across the road from Clapham North tube.
A chilled atmosphere and warming theme have given The Lodge its charming reputation.
Summary
Melt cheese all day and I’m yours. The perfect place to mull things over complete with winter spice and fondue fancy, The Lodge is a hideaway in Clapham North where you can dream of fresh powder and bluebird skies. Just hit the fondue, then the slopes.
