How often are you left overwhelmed when presented with a single-page menu?
Spoilt for choice in the best way possible, In Horto’s dishes are wildly enticing yet equally don’t break the bank.
Based in the Southwark Quarter, one of London’s Bankside’s culinary hotspots, In Horto has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. Now, their doors are back open and they’re ready to wow.
The concept is sharing plates, offering contemporary British cuisine with hints of other European influences, prepared over their bespoke brick oven. The name is derived from the Latin language and directly translates to ‘In the Garden’, outlining its Mediterranean rustic charm.
As soon as you step into the building, the atmosphere is cosy and inviting, enveloping guests with a memorable warmth. The waiters are personable with a laid-back yet informative approach and the food is made for the soul.
The intimate setting is marked by low lighting, offering a notable sense of belonging and they pride themselves on ‘creating a home away from home’.
Starting with the drinks, their personalised suggestions are top-notch. I was introduced to the Pear Sour, a sweet yet sharp cocktail mixed with 12 Whiskey, pear eau de vie, anjou and honey. Classic cocktails are also available, either as singles or to share, as well as refreshing mocktails for the non-drinkers.
For the main meal, it is recommended to select 5-6 plates, with a dish from each section of their menu (between two) or to opt for the ‘Signature Selection’, a bespoke, set multi-course meal with handpicked dishes and desserts by Chef Richard Teague.
To begin, the bread comes in all forms, pick between the Skillet cornbread with nduja or burnt onion homemade butter, Homemade Flatbread with Baba ghanoush or a classic Bread Basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. All are irresistibly good and pair nicely with Nocellara Olives, as well as snacking Chorizo with honey and mustard, as an appetiser.
Following on, the oozing Baked Tunworth, with truffle honey and confit garlic is truly indulgent. As is the Baked Cauliflower, four cheese potato, offering all the cheesy goodness.
For some meat options, the Braised Lamb with harissa seasoned vegetables is tender, juicy and full of flavour. However, the Beef & Bone Marrow Pie, made with root vegetables and red wine jus steals the spotlight as a stand-out dish. The pie is rich, with a hearty filling, glazed top, featuring the distinctive bone marrow chimney that gives it that signature look.
Other lighter options include, a Whole Sea Bream with green sauce, Roasted Aubergine, tomato ragu, burrata, parmesan, and Devonshire White Meat crab, served alongside a charred baby gem and brown crab mayonnaise.
Salads, Market vegetables and Sweet Potato are all available as sides should you choose to opt for fewer plates.
The desserts are just as hard to choose from with a delightful selection of creamy Tiramisu; Chocolate Mousse with honeycomb and a divine, scoop of salted caramel ice cream; Cheesecake with pear and amaretto, and a glossy, Tarte Tatin topped with vanilla ice cream.
To accompany their excellent menu, In Horto also has an extensive, hand-picked wine list that features vintage wines.
In Horto is committed to serving guests the finest of British food, working directly and supporting like-minded farmers, suppliers and local producers who share their ethical and sustainable values. Nearby local suppliers include popular names from Borough Market, such as Lake District Farmers, The Ginger Pig supply meat, and Neal’s Yard British cheese.
It is the ideal place for both midweek catch-ups and special occasions.
53b Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU
