This British brasserie in one of the city’s most iconic buildings has a lot going for it
Lasdun opened up at The National Theatre on the South Bank about a year ago and was the first new project from Jon Rotherham and Tom Harris since they launched The Marksman back in 2015. It’s a smart spot, with beautiful interiors and offers a genuine touch of class in an otherwise pretty touristy, chain-led part of town.
Eat This
Anyone familiar with The Marksman will recognise similar hallmarks in Lasdun’s menu. Dishes are simple and based around exceptional British produce, but with the occasional chef-y flourish.
Dish of the night was undoubtedly the smoked eel on a solid bed of pressed potato flecked with shards of cured ham and horseradish. A very clever dish and one we’d certainly come back for. We also really enjoyed the Vesuvio tomato with pickled walnut and shavings of Ticklemore cheese and – a signature snack from The Marksman – the beef and barley bun with horseradish cream.
Other dishes to look out for include the dressed crab with crab mayonnaise; the John Dory with cockles; and the chicken, leek and girolle mushroom pie for two to share. Don’t leave without trying the brown butter and honey custard tart either.
Drink This
There’s a great selection of bottles on the wine list, but we just went by the glass, starting with a lovely English fizz from Davenport in Sussex, and moving on to a chilled Grenache from Didier Cazac. For something a little different, take a look at the list of fine cider and perry too.
Why Go
If you’re going to a show at the NT, Lasdun is a no-brainer. There’s a pre-theatre menu and you could roll out of the restaurant and be in your seat in seconds. But with its straight-talking seasonal dishes and warm service, Lasdun is worthy of a visit at any time.
Key Information
Address | National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX For more information | lasdunrestaurant.com
