One Arch, two bars & restaurantsL Counter Bar & Brasserie and Counter Termini Bar & Pizzeria
Counter Bar & Brasserie brings authentic contemporary French-inspired dining to Vauxhall’s arches.
The mouth-watering all-day brasserie-de-luxe menu includes Wright Brothers oysters on ice, 28-day aged Chateaubriand from Dedham Vale Farm, French summer classic Salade de gesiers , and Lobster burger packed with crayfish and home-made tartar sauce. At the bar the mixologists serve signature cocktails such as the refreshing Goding Fizz with rosemary and cucumber infused Beefeater gin, alongside curated wines from France and the USA and craft beers.
During weekends, “Bottomless” brunches are served with decadent spins on American breakfast classics such as Nutella-stuffed French toast, Lobster Benedict, and Blueberry Pancake Stack with Maple Syrup and Bacon.
Bright and spacious, Counter’s quirky interior starts with original teak parquet reclaimed from an old asylum in Yorkshire. The focal point is a long bright brass-covered island-bar topped by floating lighting elements designed by Lumenzel Berlin. Antiqued mirrors and select vintage objects complete the ‘Deco Meets Disco’ feel of the 4,800 square foot venue.
Counter’s head chef Mahrez Loukal trained under Alain Ducasse, became head chef at Michelin-starred Chez Bruce and returned last year to London after four years as executive chef for three brasseries, including La Rotonde de la Villette, in Paris. His experience in French cuisine and knowledge of where to source the freshest local British ingredients, including from local artisans like the Kennington Bakery, shine through in the delicious yet modern cooking at Counter.
Counter Termini Bar & Pizzeria
Centrally located, yet discretely tucked away amongst the grand red brick arches of bustling Vauxhall station, comes an exciting and new Italian aperitivo and pizza bar. Counter Termini is a swish and stylish Italian destination that focuses on deliciously crafted wood-fired pizzas, a tasty selection of antipasti, classic Italian desserts and delicious cocktails.
Counter Termini forms part of London’s longest 200-foot restaurant Counter, yet has it own mid-century Italian appeal recalling la dolce vita and the smart metropolitan style of Milan. The first striking features are an open kitchen in the glass-fronted arch, with a view of the tiled wood-fired oven that reaches over 400 degrees, and the passionate pizzaiolos preparing their sourdough pizzas with carefully-sourced produce. Just next to it is a brass-topped bar with mixologists dispensing classic and contemporary cocktails like Negronis alongside a curated list of Italian and New World wines and craft beers.
Affordably priced, varied, and full of fresh Italian favourites, Counter Termini’s menu is delicious and unpretentious, comprising classics such as Pizza Napolitana and new creations like Pizza Salmoni made with home-cured salmon, accompanied by fresh antipasti and delicious desserts such as Affogato and Tiramisu.
Counter Vauxhall London address and phone
