Light wood décor and immense windows create an airy environment somewhat reminiscent of the name, but once the sun sets a pleasant candle-lit cosiness creeps in. The Aviary has recently revamped and extended its menu, with the aim of becoming a good quality local eatery minus the bells and whistles of the gourmet set. Owner James Storey really has his finger on the "green" pulse, with locally sourced food and 50% of his fruit and veg from the UK. There’s also a large selection of vegetarian dishes for those tiring of the norm. To start, the potential veggie in me went for the roast mushrooms with thyme and taleggio cheese (the pungent taleggio is not for the faint-hearted, but my love of fungi helped me through), and the carnivorous boyfriend headed straight for the spicy shredded beef with chicory and guacamole. Next up was the Dedham Vale rib-eye of beef with dauphinoise potatoes and béarnaise sauce for him, and the farm assured chicken supreme with parsnip mash for her. A side order of king cabbage was necessary to spruce up my somewhat beige meal, and I was more taken with the potatoes than the meat (I would indeed make a fine vegetarian), but both meals were tasty and satisfying. By 9pm the restaurant was full, and grabbing the waitress’ attention was tricky as they darted from table to table. But soon enough an apple and plum open pie was delivered with a smile, along with another glass of Rose Domaine Antugnac Vin de Pays 2005 to aid the digestion process!
Victoria Purcell
Place: The Aviary, 193 Worple Road, Raynes Park SW20 (020 8947 2212)
Feels like: Cosy and relaxed in a modern setting
Light wood décor and immense windows create an airy environment somewhat reminiscent of the name, but once the sun sets a pleasant candle-lit cosiness creeps in. The Aviary has recently revamped and extended its menu, with the aim of becoming a good quality local eatery minus the bells and whistles of the gourmet set. Owner James Storey really has his finger on the "green" pulse, with locally sourced food and 50% of his fruit and veg from the UK. There’s also a large selection of vegetarian dishes for those tiring of the norm. To start, the potential veggie in me went for the roast mushrooms with thyme and taleggio cheese (the pungent taleggio is not for the faint-hearted, but my love of fungi helped me through), and the carnivorous boyfriend headed straight for the spicy shredded beef with chicory and guacamole. Next up was the Dedham Vale rib-eye of beef with dauphinoise potatoes and béarnaise sauce for him, and the farm assured chicken supreme with parsnip mash for her. A side order of king cabbage was necessary to spruce up my somewhat beige meal, and I was more taken with the potatoes than the meat (I would indeed make a fine vegetarian), but both meals were tasty and satisfying. By 9pm the restaurant was full, and grabbing the waitress’ attention was tricky as they darted from table to table. But soon enough an apple and plum open pie was delivered with a smile, along with another glass of Rose Domaine Antugnac Vin de Pays 2005 to aid the digestion process!
Victoria Purcell
Place: The Aviary, 193 Worple Road, Raynes Park SW20 (020 8947 2212)
Feels like: Cosy and relaxed in a modern setting
Light wood décor and immense windows create an airy environment somewhat reminiscent of the name, but once the sun sets a pleasant candle-lit cosiness creeps in. The Aviary has recently revamped and extended its menu, with the aim of becoming a good quality local eatery minus the bells and whistles of the gourmet set. Owner James Storey really has his finger on the "green" pulse, with locally sourced food and 50% of his fruit and veg from the UK. There’s also a large selection of vegetarian dishes for those tiring of the norm. To start, the potential veggie in me went for the roast mushrooms with thyme and taleggio cheese (the pungent taleggio is not for the faint-hearted, but my love of fungi helped me through), and the carnivorous boyfriend headed straight for the spicy shredded beef with chicory and guacamole. Next up was the Dedham Vale rib-eye of beef with dauphinoise potatoes and béarnaise sauce for him, and the farm assured chicken supreme with parsnip mash for her. A side order of king cabbage was necessary to spruce up my somewhat beige meal, and I was more taken with the potatoes than the meat (I would indeed make a fine vegetarian), but both meals were tasty and satisfying. By 9pm the restaurant was full, and grabbing the waitress’ attention was tricky as they darted from table to table. But soon enough an apple and plum open pie was delivered with a smile, along with another glass of Rose Domaine Antugnac Vin de Pays 2005 to aid the digestion process!
Victoria Purcell
Place: The Aviary, 193 Worple Road, Raynes Park SW20 (020 8947 2212)
Feels like: Cosy and relaxed in a modern setting
Tastes like: Home cooking with flair
Costs: Starters from £4.50, mains from £7.50