If you haven’t had Ladywell on your radar, now might be the time to put this little place in SE London’s Lewisham on your destination dining list, given the arrival of Wilson’s restaurant. This new venture from three locals is already popular, with bookings released four weeks in advance and snapped up fast. You’ll see why when we reveal the impeccable credentials of those three local friends: Henry Freestone, Alina Falconer and Joel Falconer.
Chef Henry comes to Wilson’s after most recently helping to open Bambi in London Fields. He also had a Bib-Gourmand-acclaimed stint as Head Chef at Peckham Cellars and also opened Crispin in Spitalfields.
Husband-and-wife team of Alina and Joel Falconer have front-of-house and operations covered. Alina gaining experience at Roka and Zuma, as well as opening Flesh & Buns in Covent Garden and Shack Fuyu in Soho. Joel spent 14 years at the Busaba group, learning directly from Alan Yau and becoming MD in 2015 before taking on the MD role at Ibérica restaurants. Joel and Alina opened two other Ladywell outlets: coffee shop Oscar’s in 2019, and the crowdfunded Plenty (next door to Wilson’s) in 2021.
If we’ve already sold you on the solid neighbourhood vibe here, the all-important menu at Wilson’s is a short one, with five small plates, two main courses and two desserts, with most of it changing weekly. Word is that guests have insisted a couple of the small plates at least become regular favourites. You can expect the likes of:
- Celeriac remoulade with toast
- Goat’s cheese profiteroles with beetroot and walnuts
- Beef shin nuggets with horseradish sour cream
- Toulouse sausages with braised puy lentils
- crème anglaise with poached rhubarb and crumble
The three-page drinks list is both well-considered and evocative, with categories such as ‘Juicy, Light, Smashable’ and ‘Structured, Rich, Bold’ to send you in the right direction wine-wise. There’s also a short selection of beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
More about Wilson's
Where is it? 77 Ladywell Rd, London SE13 7JA
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @wilsonslondon.
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