THE ATLAS

Reviews

2011

'A real pub' near Earl's Court 2, that still manages to be a really impressive all-rounder. It offers 'excellent' Mediterranean fare, 'interesting' wines and 'real ales galore', and even has a 'nice walled garden'.
HARDEN'S LONDON RESTAURANT

This is one of only a handful of London pubs to have a walled garden. Located in a fashionable part of town where a many great pubs have been reinvented to become trendy diners or restaurants, here is a traditional local that remains true to its cause. The spacious bar area—split into eating and drinking sections—attracts what in rural enclaves would be referred to as outsiders, but to be a local here you can come from Chelsea, Hampstead or Hammersmith. Lunch might feature starters such as courgette, chilli and potato soup, and pork terrine with home-made fruit chutney. Tempting mains continue the European influences in dishes such as grilled Italian sausages, mash and red marmalade; roasted cod fillet with chorizo, chickpeas, coriander and gazpacho salsa. Real ales for the current season are listed on the menu along with the ales about to arrive.
AA PUB GUIDE

With good food and a fine choice of drinks, this-tucked away pub is always busy. The long, simple knocked-together bar has been well renovated without removing the original features; there’s plenty of panelling and dark wooden wall benches, a couple of brick fireplaces, a mix of school chairs, and well spaced tables. Fullers London Pride, Timothy, St Austell Tribute, Sharps Doom Bar and a guest beer on hand pump, a carefully chosen wine list with plenty by the glass and big mugs of coffee; friendly service. The piped music covers a real cross section — on various visits we have come across everything from salsa and jazz to vintage TV themes; board games. Outside is an attractively planted narrow side terrace, with an overhead awning; heaters make it comfortable even in winter. They will ask to keep your credit card if you run a tab.
THE GOOD PUB GUIDE

An attractively overgrown, leafy exterior makes this historic wood-panelled boozer feel like a hidden gem. Readers love the warmth emanating from the ancient stone fireplaces on a dark winter’s night, though in summer it’s the garden that provides a perfect sunny-day lunch spot. The Atlas’s modern European cuisine concentrates on Italy & is more imaginative than the usual pub grub – the bruschetta is Pugliese bread with vine tomatoes & basil; roasted monkfish saltimbocca comes with lemon butter, butternut squash & sorrel gratin; & an inky risotto nero with squid & broad beans is lightened by lemon & tarragon mayonnaise. Desserts include the range of Jude’s ice creams from Devon. Alongside the usual ales & ciders, there’s a strong wine list with most bottles at £20 or less.
SQUARE MEAL