Being a lover of a good burger I was only too happy to be asked to review Lockhouse’s new restaurant in Paddington. I was immediately struck by its modern, funky interior, with industrial metal furnishings, concrete floors, high ceilings, leather and metal seating and fabulous large hanging lights. The jazzy music and cool bar area add to the atmosphere providing a great place for an after work burger or a group gathering. Our table was in a quieter area more suited to a good conversation.
We started off with cocktails, which if you come during Happy Hour (5-8 pm) are all £5 and all wines on the menu and prosecco sell at a very reasonable £15 a bottle.
I had and excellent Papaya Mojito made with Havana rum, papaya, fresh mint lime soda. The lime cut through the sweetness of the tropical papaya with a minty aftertaste. My friend opted for the Rosemary and Strawberry Collins, a combination of rosemary-infused gin, lemon, strawberries and soda. It looked a very pretty shade of pink and she described it as light and refreshing and extremely tasty.
I couldn’t resist the Locked and Loaded burger, a beef patty with all the trimmings; dry cured bacon, double American cheese, lettuce and onion, served in a seeded brioche bun, it was absolutely delicious, the moist beef and crispy bacon were perfectly set off by a rich and creamy mayo and all for £8.50. I had a side of my favourite sweet potato fries, which were crunchy and perfectly cooked. (£4)
My companion went for Cockhouse – a crispy, coated buttermilk chicken Breast, with sriracha mayo and pickled relish in a brioche bun (also £8.50) with a side of traditional fries (£3.50) The crispy chicken was masterfully juxtaposed with the sharpness of the pickled relish; my friend was in seventh heaven and polished off every last fry.
I always like a bit of green with my burger so we ordered a House Salad (£4.00) and a Crunchy Slaw (£3.00) on the side, which provided a good accompaniment.
This was all washed down with an excellent bottle of Edelzwicker Vin D’Alsace, a balanced blend of Pinot Blanc, Stlander and Riesling- a deliciously dry, versatile white wine with green fruit flavours and plenty of fleshy texture with a light refreshing finish.
Finally, as if I wasn’t full enough already, we shared a couple of their truly indulgent Jam jar desserts, the Seasonal Eton Mess which was very rich, with rather more cream than fruit, and the beautifully presented Lickabockaglory, consisting of meringue, cream, ice cream, brownie pieces, chocolate sauce with chopped nuts – what a treat, every mouthful offered a different taste (never mind the calories!).
Lockhouse is very reasonably priced and offers a good selection of burgers, and rotisserie chicken dishes with a Falafel lock for the veggies. Plus it is open for a fabulous looking breakfast and brunch.
So with great food, good, friendly service and a buzzy atmosphere in modern, cool surroundings what’s not to love, I will definitely be paying Lockhouse another visit.
Lucy Foxell, trained as an actress at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, has spent many years in the professional performing arts. Alongside her acting career, Lucy is a well-traveled cultural critic with a focus on theatre, travel, and culinary experiences. She brings her global journeys to life through thoughtful reviews of destinations, restaurants, and performances, blending her love for exploration with a deep appreciation for the arts. Lucy regularly shares her insights on theatre, dining and travel in various publications, offering a unique perspective that connects food, culture, and travel.
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