Open Mon—Sat 7.30am—late; Sun 7.30am—6pm
Hot on the heels of pizza and ice cream joint Ice&Slice, the Antipodean-with-Italian-heritage guys behind café and bar Shot Espresso have launched an all-day casual dining spot, Bistro by Shot. Headed by Fabrice Meier, formerly of Trinity, The Wild Game Company and One-O-One Knightsbridge, Parsons Green’s new addition offers seasonal dishes with a French-Italian twist, using ingredients sourced mostly from independent local suppliers.
‘They do good coffee,’ my friend and local resident said, as we sat inside at a table looking onto the enviable sole outside table with its retractable roof. It was Sunday lunchtime and we’d been recommended the Sunday roast. However, the menu had recently been replaced with a brunch menu, though a rump of lamb with Jersey royals, asparagus and garlic cream (£15) remained. My companion plumped for that while I chose a kale salad with roasted butternut squash and pumpkin seeds (£9) and a side of sweet mash (£3).
Italians featured heavily on the wine list (chosen by local independent wine shop Vagabond), though we were informed that the list would shortly change, too. We took to the refreshing virgin mojitos (£4.50 each) so wound up ordering several.
Our portions were generous. My salad was perfectly nice though unexceptional, while my friend needed salt and pepper and her lamb was rare despite requesting medium. ‘Mine’s a bit heavy,’ she revealed. We rounded things off with an intense Valrhona chocolate fondue with Shot’s own creamy pistachio gelato (£6).
It was clear that Bistrò by Shot is still finding its feet. ‘We thought your reservation was for yesterday,’ our friendly waiter said, by way of apology as he led us to one of the remaining tables hidden at the back, and the menu lacked a natural transition between breakfast and lunch options. However, the place was busy with local families and couples, and it’s clear that the owners are gutsy and passionate about sourcing locally.
