Tag Archives: Battersea

Weekend Booze & Bites

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This week has been a busy one at the Canteen, we agreed a tie up with the Wandsworth Foodbank (click here for details) and we released a little film our friend made to show off the Canteen and St John’s Hill at night.

Ben’s Canteen – The Place on the Hill from Ben’s Canteen on Vimeo.

We also released details of our £15 menu for The Fabulous Feast, a week long food and drink festival on St John’s Hill (Battersea’s best street).

Anyways, on to the weekend! Come try our new Spring Brunch. We’ve added smashed avocado on toast with a poached egg (and we seriously recommend adding spicy chorizo to this magic combo), mushrooms on toast with truffle oil and a fried egg and a pair of new salads. Hit up the Canteen this weekend, give them a whirl and let us know what you think by clicking here. Don’t forget if you Instagram them then you can score yourself a free Bloody Mary.

Talking of Blood Mary’s we’ve made a video of our Sipsmith Classic Bloody Mary - click here to learn how we make it. We’ve also added a couple of new drinks, inject some Italian style into brunch with an Aperol Spritz or force yourself back into the game with our Hair of the Dog.

Smashed Avocado & Poached Egg with Spicy Chorizo

Of course, the weekend isn’t just about brunch…

  • Get involved with our cocktails. A pre or post dinner Old Fashioned always sounds good to us whilst the girls at the Canteen love the Damson in Distress (Damson Vodka, Prosecco & Cranberry) and the Vanilla & Chilli Caprioska is a firm staff favourite.
  • Our range of dirty burgers are proving so popular that MSN Food recently named us as one of the Top 21 Burger places in the UK. We don’t just do burgers though, we’ve got some lighter bites such as a Mackerel Nicoise salad and the Benny Benny Chicken which is a carb free number.
  • Dinner now starts early, join us from 5pm and on Fridays and Saturdays the kitchen is open until 11pm, meaning you can join us for late night bites.
  • Book in for an early dinner, from 5-7pm and we’ll give you some  extra value in the shape of a free glass of wine and 2 courses for £18.
  • And check out our new wine list, which includes some left field (but awesome) choices such as Portuguese, Croatian and Lebanese wine, and a seriously top notch Greek wine (Hedgehog) which is like a Barolo, alongside the more expected.
  • Make your weekend last longer by joining us for the Sunday Night Saver - all burgers and sandwiches for a flat tenner, that’ll help banish the Sunday night blues.
  • Also, if you Instagram your food, or drink, at the Canteen then you can get a free dessert or Bloody Mary, click here for details.

And other stuff,

Ben's Canteen, Best Local Restaurant 2012

Christmas and New Year in Clapham Junction, Battersea and Wandsworth

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The Festive Holiday Season is almost here, after partying hard it’s time to kickback, forget about work and have super merry times with family and friends.

Doubtless though there will be times that you want to break out of the house and that’s why here at Ben’s Canteen we’re opening for the majority of the holiday – so come down to the place on the hill for brunch, dinner and drinks. We’re just a few minutes away from Clapham Junction and all the local buses connect to us, so you can get here from all over SW London (Battersea, Clapham, Brixton, Putney, Wandsworth and so on) without much fuss. Oh and we’re very dog friendly, so go for that big family walk, with the hound in tow, across Wandsworth Common/Spencer Park/Clapham Common and then come and warm up in the Canteen for a full blown meal or just a little treat with a cup of tea/coffee or our mulled wine.

Don’t forget, if you book in for dinner between 5 and 7pm then you can get 2 courses for £20 and a free glass of vino. Jingle Bells!

Christmas & New Year Opening Times

Christmas Eve: Open for brunch (9am to 4pm), closing around 6pm. Join us for our Xmas Jumper Party and get a free Bloody Mary.

Christmas Day: Closed

Boxing Day: Closed

27th-30th: Open as normal, so brunch from 9am and dinner from 5pm.

New Year’s Eve: Open an normal, note we’re running our standard menu in the evening but are open until 1am. No entry fee.

New Year’s Day: Open for brunch (9am to 4pm), closing around 6pm.

2nd Jan: Open for brunch (9am to 4pm), closing around 6pm.

3rd Jan onwards: Open as normal.

If you wish to book a table please call us on 020 7228 3260 or click here to book online.

Xmas Jumper

Thanksgiving Dinner at Ben’s Canteen

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Hurrah, Obama got re-elected. To give thanks to the American people for making the right decision we’re going to host a Thanksgiving Dinner.

Join us from 6pm on the 22nd November for Turkey, Pumpkin Pie and plenty more. Click here to book.

Remember we’re a short walk from Clapham Junction and about 10 minutes from Wandsworth Town. You can also get buses from Clapham Common, Battersea, Brixton, Putney and beyond.

Starters

Sliders (2 mini cheese-burgers)

Cheddar and Cranberry Cheeseball

Buffalo Wings with Ranch Dip and Celery Sticks

Pumpkin & Chilli Soup

Mains

Roast Turkey Breast

Baked Honeyed Ham

Beef Rib Roast

Roast Vegetable Tart

(All served with glazed carrots and roasted onions and parsnips)

BC Burger & Hand Cut Chips

Pulled Pork Bap with Deep Fried Pickles & Slaw

Sides

Chilli Cheese Chips

Creamy Herbed Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Mac & Cheese with Bacon

Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmellows

Celery & Herb Stuffing

Deep Fried Pickles

Desserts

Pecan Pie with Eggnog Ice Cream

Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Cream

Poached Pears with Cranberry Sorbet

Forward

Midweek Nights at the Canteen

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One of the reasons we started Ben’s Canteen was to create a space where you can hang out without feeling too formal. In essence an alternative to the pub. We wanted to create an atmosphere where you could just roll in and be yourself, that’s why we stripped back the interior and at night we dim the lights and light the candles to create a cosy space. We don’t have TVs as we want you to dictate the night rather than tuning out to the tube.

Midweek Nights at Ben's CanteenWe know that often you don’t want go crazy on the spending front during the week and most of you don’t want to blow the doors off on a school night so we created a little extra value offer in the form of 2 courses for £20 and a free glass of wine if you join us for an early dinner (before 7pm), meaning you can have a good feed and still get a good night’s sleep. However, we also like to encourage you to go a bit bigger during the week, that’s why we do 2-4-1 Cocktails on Tuesday Nights and we run regular pop-up supper club style events such as our Halloween Hell Night.

In terms of food, we believe in comfort, especially as it’s now getting colder. Our meatballs with a cheesy cauliflower & squash mash are a midweek dinner winner.

On the drinks front, we favour working with smaller producers, so we’ve got beers from Meantime and Curious Brew (from the English winemaker Chapel Down) amongst others, and some cracking spirits including Sipsmith and Little Bird Gin. The idea is simple really, we want to introduce you to some different, quality, products and hopefully as part of that make your midweek life just a smidge better and more interesting if possible.

Add to the above that we’re a shortish stroll from Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town train stations and buses will ferry you around Battersea back to Clapham Common, Brixton, Putney, Fulham, Chelsea and beyond, then we’d like to think we offer you a nice little, simple, midweek night out – and we believe it’s part of the reason we got voted Best Local Restaurant in the Time & Leisure 2012 Food and Drinks Awards.

If you’d like to reserve a table and join us for a midweek dinner on St John’s Hill then please click here.

Best Local Restaurant in South West London & Surrey

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On Monday the 17th September it was the Time & Leisure, Food and Drink Awards 2012.

Ben’s Canteen had been nominated for Best Local Restaurant and were up against some awesome venues but we’re delighted to say that we won!

We’d like to thank everyone who voted for us and all of our lovely customers who choose to hang out with us up on St John’s Hill (in Battersea, just a few mins walk from Clapham Junction).

The award comes on the back of us recently celebrating our 1st birthday and is a lovely thing. We always hoped that if we created our alternative to a pub, that also does awesome brunches with top notch coffee, and made it relaxed and served up comforting food with a few twists, coupled with some interesting drinks that people would come. And not only come but enjoy what we’re doing and treat the venue as their canteen. A place where they can come on their own and enjoy banter with the staff or just do their own thing. A place where they can bring friends for a hungover or blowout brekkie, a simple dinner or celebrate special occasions in an informal atmosphere and space. And based on how busy we are of late, and this award, it’s seems that this vision is being realised – and for that we are very honoured. Thank you.

We’d also like to say a big thank you to the team at Ben’s Canteen, they do all the hard work and this award is recognition of that fact and the environment they create. All the weird and whacky things you hear about restaurants have probably happened since we opened but they’ve overcome them all!

We won’t be sitting back on this award, we’re going to use it as a spur to complete all the projects we have in the pipeline – look out for new menus and plenty of refurbs over the coming months. Good times.

Ben couldn’t be at the awards ceremony but rather than do a live video link up he sent his big Sis to pick up the award.

Best Local Restaurant Award for Ben's Canteen

Crafty Pint at Ben’s Canteen

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We’re super excited to announce a partnership with Crafty Pint – workshops from a collective of creatives and designer-makers living and working around Tooting who operate under the banner of Handmade in Tooting, find out more about them by clicking here. They normally do Crafty Pint events at the Tooting Tram & Social but this their first foray into Battersea and we’re delighted it’s with us.

On the 8th October, from 7pm, we’ll be hosting a Crafty Pint session where attendees will be designing their own Tote bag (which you get to keep).

Crafty PintThis workshop is suitable for beginners, no experience is needed. All inks are washable and non-toxic, but do bring a pinny in case of inky stains.  The inks are fixed by ironing, so your finished tote bag can be used and washed. That’s if  you don’t plan to frame your work of art!

If you want to get involved then click here for full details (including a video of one of the workshops so you can see what it’s like) and to reserve a spot.

 

Christmas Parties in Clapham Junction, Battersea, Clapham & Wandsworth

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It always feels weird writing about Christmas so far in advance but then you pause and realise crikes, actually Crimbo is really just around the corner – a wee bit depressing but it’ll be fun in the end.

To help make it fun we’ve put together 3 different Christmas Menus for you – the first menu can be ordered for lunch or early evening. To book your Christmas party please call us on 020 7228 3260 or email ben@benscanteen.com – you must book at least 24 hrs in advance.

Remember we’re a short stroll from Clapham Junction station, we’re also just a few minutes away from Northcote Road and Battersea Rise – what we’re really saying is that if you need late night entertainment then there are a host of late night venues within a short walk – who doesn’t want a cheesy boogie at the Grand after turkey and all the trimmings?! You’re also not far in a cab from the mighty Infernos in Clapham or Bunga Bunga in Battersea. We can arrange taxis for you.

Finally, we know that some of you have your Christmas parties in January, we’re more than happy to host those events, just drop us a line.

£15 Christmas Menu

This menu can be ordered during the day or between 6 & 7pm during the evenings.

Starters

Turkey meatballs, cranberry and gravy dippers

Popcorn prawns, spicy mayo dip

Poached quince, Stilton and fruit toast

Main

Turkey escalope, bacon, potato dauphinoise, thyme gravy

Fish and chips

Winter vegetable tart

BC Burger and chips

Dessert

Cheese to share

£22 Christmas Menu

Starter

Crispy pork belly, cauliflower puree, jus

Mussels, cider, leeks, fresh herbs

Confit shallot tart tatin, roquette salad

Main

Roasted rump of beef, warm baby carrot and beetroot salad

Grilled mackerel, black olive toast, watercress

Stuffed turkey breast, apricot, sage and bacon, trimmings

Braised lentil hot pot, baby spinach, horseradish dumplings

Dessert

Choice of Ben’s Canteen desserts (change daily)

£28 Christmas Menu

Starter

All day breakfast scotch egg

Seared scallops, pea puree, black pudding, mint

Grilled chicory, horseradish mayo

Main

Grilled venison haunch, Jerusalem artichoke and potato gratin, chestnut jus

Stuffed turkey breast, apricot, sage and bacon, trimmings

Plaice fillets, crispy kale, brown crab butter, chives

Stuffed butternut squash, paprika chickpeas, curly kale, Rosary cheese mousse

Dessert

Choice of Ben’s Canteen desserts (change daily)

Right then, get booking and then go and dig out that Christmas jumper!

Christmas jumpers

August Bank Holiday in Battersea, Clapham & Wandsworth

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Staying in London for the August Bank Holiday and looking for fun in the shape of food and booze? As the place on the hill we’re delivering both of those things in abundance to the good people of Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth (people from elsewhere are also very welcome!!).

Friday: American Road Trip Dinner – featuring big fat steak sandwiches, animal style fries and super tasty pies for pudding, oh and bone marrow for starters. We sold out our Independence Day Dinner (see pics here) and it was an awesome party night, this event is gonna rock too. Click here to book. Fancy dress optional but very cool if you do. Don’t forget we’ll also be serving brunch from 9am to 4pm.

Saturday: Brunch from 9am to 4pm. Happy Hour 5-7pm. Dinner, including epic burgers and scotch eggs, from 6pm.

Sunday and Monday: to celebrate Notting Hill Carnival we’re running an entirely Caribbean dinner menu – click here to check it out – from 6pm each night. We’re also be providing hangover salvation in the form of Bloody Mary’s and big breakfasts with brunch from 9am to 4pm each day.

Please note, if you want to come to the Road Trip Dinner you need to book in advance and online, click here for the 7pm sitting or here for the 9pm sitting.

Ben's Canteen Road Trip Dinner

Happy Hour at Ben’s Canteen

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An early drink, straight after work, so often the catalyst for good times… and that’s exactly what we like to encourage at the Canteen.

So, we’ve decided to launch Happy Hour, well technically hours as it runs from 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Sunday.

  • Meantime London Lager: £3 a pint
  • Meantime Pale Ale: £3 a pint
  • Saint Lager: £2.5 a bottle
  • 175ml glass of Cote a Cote (white wine): £3.5
  • 175ml glass of Il Banchetto Rosso (red wine): £3.5

Don’t forget that we also run 2-4-1 Tuesday Cocktails and Fizzy Fridays.

Happy Hour at Ben's Canteen

We want this to be the most fun Happy Hour in South West London, so grab your mates and bring them to St John’s Hill in Battersea. It’s only a few minutes walk from Clapham Junction, so it’s super simple to get to and from the Canteen. See you soon for good times.

Birthdays & Engagements at the Canteen

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Ever since we opened up Ben’s Canteen we’ve been luckily enough to host a whole bunch of awesome events including birthdays, engagement parties, charity dinners and even a tango dancing night.

This got us thinking about why people like to hire out the Canteen and here’s the reasons we came up with,

  • We offer good value set menus to fit your budget
  • We can also offer group discounts on drinks
  • Our food is interesting, where else our your friends going to experience an All Day Breakfast Scotch Egg?!
  • You can hire out all of the Canteen or just a section
  • We take bookings for drinks parties, it doesn’t have to be a full blown dinner, likewise you can have drinks, canapes and then a sit down dinner
  • We don’t charge hire fees
  • We’re just up from Clapham Junction so there isn’t really an excuse for anyone not to be able to get here
  • We can make bespoke music play lists from serious cheese to rocking beats
  • The Canteen is a cool little space and everyone here will work hard to make sure you have an awesome time

If you’d like to talk to us about venue hire for your party and your requirements then please call 020 7228 3260 or email ben@benscanteen.com We’d like to think our venue hire is one of the best options for parties in Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth, South West London and beyond!

Here’s some recent feedback and one of the set menus we’ve put together…

“Last night went so well. And everyone is raving about the food and the canteen in general! Thank you thank you thank you again. Please thank all the staff for me too, they were all super helpful.”

“A huge thank you to you, the chef and all the team at Ben’s last night. You did us proud. Everyone loved the food and had a great evening. I have had a host of emails today from happy party goers.”

Amuse Bouche

Pork Crackling

Mini Mushy Pea Fishcakes

Starters

Cods Cheeks with Parsley Crumb & Tartar Sauce

Pickled Vegetables with Deviled Quail’s Eggs

Pigeon Breast, Aubergine Puree, Raspberry Vinegar & Spelt

Mains

Duck Breast, Braised Venison Haunch, Celeriac Puree, Honeyed Carrots with Pork & Plum Sauce

Beetroot, Goat’s Curd & Jerusalem Artichoke

Pollock & Cockles, Crushed Potatoes, Parsley Liquor

Desserts

Poached Pear with Hazelnut Crust

Rhubarb & Ginger Trifle

Powerhouse Porter Cheesecake with Porter Chilli Syrup

Rolo Tart with Spearmint Ice-Cream

Ben's Canteen Private Hire