• Added: 6th of September 2008
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 2TU
020 7403 1342

jmohring said
Sweet breads of delight
We've spent 2 happy evenings at Magdalen and are delighted to have such a great restaurant on our doorstep.
The atmosphere at Magdalen is discreet, grown up and classy and the food is even better.
On our first visit we started with a rabbit terrine and potted shrimp before moving on to dishes of venison and sea bream. The terrine was chunky and studded with pistachios, the shrimp buttery and rich. Our main courses didn't disappoint and the high point for dessert was a molten centred chocolate pudding.
The occasion was a birthday treat and the whole evening was perfect, the waiter attentive the wines well recommended and priced and the service unhurried but never slack.
Our second visit with friends after a few too many cocktails at the Hide bar was another fine Bermondsey evening. Our initial impression on being seated was that we were the only people in the place having a good time as every one else seemed to be whispering or eating in silence. They may have just been enjoying their meals I suppose but we soon realised that it would be fine for us to add to the atmosphere with a little less sotto voce conversation. Our food did shut us up: starters included braised pigs cheeks, rich and savoury and fried lambs brains which were described as perfect. For the main course both skate wings and sweet breads were stand out dishes. The sweetbreads a fondly remembered childhood treat, just as silky smooth and more ish as I recalled.
My only caveat with Magdalen is its somewhat sober air, the restaurant lacks buzz at times which is a shame because the food, service and wine is great and good value for this quality of experience. I would recommend this place for romantic dinners, business lunches and food lovers who bring their own buzz with them!