In a neighbourhood like Fulham, where there’s a high concentration of professionals looking for somewhere to unwind after a long day at work or gather with friends on the weekend, The Brook and Badger feels like a considered addition rather than just another new opening. Speaking to manager Max Weinel, he explained that the area had been missing a venue quite like this, making the gastropub’s arrival all the more impactful. It’s the kind of neighbourhood spot locals quickly adopt — somewhere you can just as easily drop in for a casual drink or settle in for a full evening of dining.
Created by experienced publican Eamonn Manson, alongside pop art dealer Adrian Palengat, the venue is the sibling to the much-loved Brook House in Fulham. The vision is clear: offer a modern British pub that honours the values locals love. Here, you will find great food, good wine, and a homey atmosphere. The Brook and Badger blends the comfort of a traditional British pub with a modern restaurant menu focused on seasonal ingredients.
Inside The Brook and Badger
Stepping in, the interior already was inviting. Walking the line between polished and relaxed, the atmosphere felt comfortable rather than overly styled. There was a subtle divide between the dining area and the pub area that wasn’t harsh but still showed there is a space for eating and just drinking.
What stood out to us the most was the feature that sits at the back of the room: glass double doors offering a clear view into the kitchen. The place allowed the diners to see the kitchen at full work, signalling confidence in their food. Here, the idea that dining is central to the experience at The Brook and Badger really hammers home.
What’s On the Menu
Head Chef James Scott leads the kitchen, offering a menu that appears to be a sophisticated, modern British gastropub that leans heavily into seasonal, elevated comfort food. At a first glance at the menu, it was obvious that the goal was to blend “refined dining” and “hearty pub fare”.
The menu is minimalist and confident. The date on the menu indicated that the kitchen likely rotates its offerings based on market availability which is a hallmark of a high-end food service.
Starters range from asparagus with salsa verde and burrata with wild garlic hazelnut pesto, showing commitment to local foraging and fresh profiles, all seasonally appropriate for the month.
I began my meal with the halloumi served with salsa romma which was a perfect way to start my culinary journey for the night. The dish delivered bold and umami-forward flavouring, providing a refreshing opening to the meal.
The wine menu deserves mention too. A well-stocked wine cellar ensures there’s something suitable for most dishes, and I paired the meal with a bottle of Albariño from Bodega Garzón in Uruguay, which worked comfortably across multiple courses.
For the main course, the menu offers both seafood and meat options alongside classic pub staples such as battered cod and chips, chicken and mushroom pie, and hanger steak with chimichurri and fries. The kitchen clearly strikes the perfect balance between a traditional pub and a bistro.
However, the pork chop I ordered for mains proved particularly tempting. Served with apple fennel, reddish slaw, and English watercress, the dish was presented minimally and delivered exactly the kind of hearty satisfaction diners look for in a gastropub main course. What stood out most was the cooking of the meat itself. The pork was medium-well, with a hint of pink at the centre and beautiful grill marks on the outside, a small but telling detail that often reveals the real skill of a kitchen.
Sides such as the truffle & parmesan fries we ordered added an extra layer of indulgence and complemented the flavours well without overpowering the main dish.
The Sweet Finish
No proper pub meal feels complete without dessert, and The Brook and Badger leans into traditional British comfort here. Seasonal crumble and sticky toffee pudding are already among the most popular choices on the menu.
To finish the meal, I ordered the vanilla panna cotta with raspberry coulis which arrived simple yet beautifully executed. It was incredibly smooth and rich, featuring a deep vanilla profile that was indulgent. The coulis added a bright, tart finish that cut through the creaminess, making for a refreshing and well-rounded end to the meal.
The Verdict
Beyond the food, much of the venue’s charm comes from its relaxed hospitality and the staff’s impeccable attention to detail. We were looked after and treated with a genuine warmth that made a midweek dinner feel like a special occasion.
What ultimately makes The Brook and Badger stand out is its versatility. It’s easy to imagine stopping in for a quick drink at the bar, gathering friends for dinner, or settling in for a leisurely weekend lunch.
In a city where many new restaurant openings feel fleeting, The Brook and Badger feels more like a staple. You can’t miss the spirit of a proper neighbourhood pub, elevated with thoughtful cooking and polished surroundings. For Fulham locals and West London diners alike, it’s a gastropub well worth discovering.
And if this has you in the mood for more, we’ve rounded up some of London’s best tapas spots to try next.
