Our Editor spent a cosy a Saturday evening dining at In Horto, located in the new Southwark Quarter. It’s the latest restaurant venture from the tvg hospitality group. The location is a fantastic open air courtyard close to London Bridge. Off the alfresco seating area are a number of restaurants. In Horto is definetely a smart choice with plenty of rustic charm and lovely ambience for both business diners and those wanting to just enjoy a great meal and drinks.
Everything about In Horto is inspired by nature. The interior is partly raw or unpolished wood, styled with comfy blankets and cushions. There is flora and foliage draped down from the rafters, wooden shutters surrounding the four walls, terracotta tiles and natural lighting. All this works well and create a natural and calm environment.
The best thing about In Horto (‘in the garden’ in Latin) is the way all the food is cooked in a wood fired oven. The menu follows the seasons and is inspired by nature which ensures a sustainable ethos supported by like-minded suppliers. Seasonal ingredients are supplied by Lake District Farmers, Wright Bros and Portland Shellfish for fish as well as charcuterie and cheese from nearby Borough Market. Ideal for sharing, the menu includes an array of Nature’s Finest.
Now on to our menu choices at In Horto
We started off with cocktails – too wonderful sounding to pass – and opted for the evening’s special, a classic Tingle with a nice twist. Vodka, Grenadine and Prosecco (instead of lemonade) – delicious.
For starters we shared a Heritage beetroot with vegan feta and toasted sunflower and pumpkin seed and mini chorizos glazed with honey. A great start for our dinner. We also ordered a basket of bread as really wanted to try the burn onion butter recommended by our friendly waiter. It was super tasty, so much so that we had to finish it all.
We decided to share our mains as well as their portions are pretty generous. My partner really fancied a the whole baked cauliflower which was served on a bed of four cheese baked potatoes, cooked with generous helping of garlic and parsley. To go with this tummy vegetarian dish we ordered Seabass filets with roasted fennel and salsa verde. A winning pairing of two superbly prepared dishes.
We were pretty full our two courses but still tempted to finish the evening off with something sweet. The Tarte Tatin is one of my all time favourite puddings and In Horto’s version didn’t disappoint. It was perfectly baked and served with vanilla ice-cream as it should be. A great choice for two to share.
On the drink side we chose a bottle of 2020 Sauvignon Blanc from France. And finished the evening with refreshing Limoncello.
I’m already looking forward to dining at In Horto again.
More about dining at In Horto
Starters include burrata, fig and cherry molasses; heritage beetroot with vegan feta and toasted pumpkin seeds; as well as In Horto’s freshly baked bread with a choice of either Nduja or burnt onion butter. For main courses choose from whole baked cauliflower with four-cheese potatoes; cod fillet with fire-roasted ratatouille; and In Horto’s signature12-hour lamb shoulder with harissa vegetables. Tempting side dishes like carrot, celeriac & cabbage slaw; seasonal greens, herbs and shallots; and confit potato chips all complement any dish. Desserts are not to be missed, choose from tiramisu, chocolate mousse with salted caramel ice cream; or Tarte Tatin.
Lunchtime set menu
If you are looking for a feast that maximises on taste but minimises on cost, then try In Horto’s lunchtime set menu: Wednesdays to Fridays two-courses are just £15 or three for £19.
Drinks at In Horto
In Horto’s bespoke cocktail list offer elixirs inspired by the Great Outdoors; try Mezcal Breeze (Mezcal, pink grapefruit juice and agave) or Botanist 75 (Gin, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling wine).Non-alcoholic options include Pure Spritz (Crossip pure hibiscus, raspberry cordial and soda). Whether you’re on the booze or not, the bartenders have something that will always appeal.
The wine list has been devised by the multi-award-winning Liberty Wines and includes organic and biodynamic labels. Sourced from renowned estates and trailblazers, boasting impressive sustainability credentials. A welcome addition to the ever-expanding Southwark Quarter development, In Horto offers a taste of the outside, inside. With the winter months often feeling too long and summer all too short, its natural interior and honest seasonal cooking evokes joy, whatever the weather at www.inhorto.co.uk
