The recently opened eatery offers a playful take on much-loved British and American dishes, focussing on delicious grilled steaks and trend-setting cocktails served up alongside an energetic atmosphere in the heart of Clapham. The restaurant ticks all the boxes, from hearty food to a lineup of live entertainment, making it an ideal spot for cosy afternoons, cute dates, and great nights out alike.
The menu is divided between starter or sharing “Smalls”, and “Big” plates as main courses. The small plates include Battered Squid and ever-popular Courgette Tempura, but it is the BBQ Corn Ribs that are the definitive favourite amongst the regulars, the chargrilled corn elevated by a rich herb butter that makes this the perfect entry point to the meal. The bigger plates include classics such as the Chicken Caesar Salad, Pan Fried Hake, and a plant-based Mushroom & Cashew Nut Wellington that makes up one of the menu highlights.
Of course, it is the Grill which most of the restaurant’s patrons return for. All meat is British and dry aged for a minimum of 28 days, and is served with deliciously decadent beef dripping chips and a choice of add-on sauces – including the must-try peppercorn and bone marrow. From sizzling sirloins to the restaurant’s tantalising signature tomhawk, this spot promises a satisfying steak experience at an affordable price, for any palate.
The impressive cocktail list is made up inventive concoctions that pay homage to the restaurant’s namesakes, from Franklin’s Rose (Bombay Sapphire Gin with Rose Liqueur) and Newfoundland Fashioned (Bourbon, Pine Maple, and Juniper Bitters) to Peanut Chocolate (Peanut-infused Bourbon with Sweet Vermouth and Cacao Liqueur) that makes for the perfect end to the meal.
The regular weekly specials are a cornerstone of Franklin & Baines’ offerings, featuring enticing deals such as 2-for-1 steaks on Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, Tomahawk Thursdays, and bottomless Saturday and Sunday lunches. There is also a noteworthy Sunday Roast that challenges some of the best in London. The restaurant's philosophy revolves around delivering high-quality fare at a reasonable cost.
The new hotspot on the High Street embodies a comfortable glamour, with elegant seating, warm lighting, and a modern, playful touch throughout. Spring has also seen the opening of the roof terrace, guaranteed to continue to be a big pull for al-fresco-thirsty Londoners, along with the lineup of exciting events such as DJs and live music at the weekends, and more diary-worthy additions to be introduced soon.
Oliver Cohen (owner of award-winning steak restaurant Bordelaise) and Ashley Letchfold (of The Jam Tree) make up the duo behind Franklin & Baines. They chose to name the restaurant after renowned former Clapham residents, US founding father Benjamin Franklin and MI5 architect Sir Frank Baines, two apt figures to represent the their respective nations in this project.
For steak-lovers or Sunday Roast aficionados, dining here is a no-brainer. For everyone else – if you’re looking for fantastic flavours and plentiful food at affordable prices, unique cocktails to keep you fuelled throughout the evening, and a truly stellar vibe, Franklin & Baines may be the place you absolutely must visit this Spring.
You can find Franklin & Baines at 68-70 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UL. You can browse through the menus and make a reservation right here.
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