Hawkins Forge

We noticed this had recently re-​opened (it used to be The Duck) when walking past en route elsewhere for Sunday lunch. That elsewhere had no space, so we thought we’d head back down Battersea Rise and check it out. I’m really glad we did — it was a terrific visit.
The roasts, which we all had, were pricey I suppose but no worse than anywhere else on a Sunday. It was so worth it though; absolutely everything on the plate was delicious in its own right — and even more so when smothered in delicious gravy or apple jelly!
We will go back for a sample of the rest of the menu — there was a huge amount of choice and almost everything sounded wonderful. I also liked their small «street food» section which appears to be rotating through various countries; it was Mexican that week and they were moving on next to Korean.
There was a great drinks selection and the friendly bar staff were chatting about the new opening and allowing samples of some of their less well-​known ales and ciders. There was an extensive bottle selection behind the bar, too.
It was also a bright and fun use of space, different sections in the pub providing a different experience; the main bar is quite traditional looking — but modern insofar as you can tell it was recently redeveloped. The back space (where I believe The Duck used to have their pizza oven) now contains a games area with darts and ping-​pong, and the side area where we sat offered a more secluded — yet still open and fun — dining area.
All in all, as good a Sunday eating & drinking experience as one could have opened for — and well worthy of a return visit in the near future!

Hawkins Forge only recently opened, taking over and renovating a pre-​existing pub on Battersea Rise (which, though Unilocal neighbourhood listings put it as «Clapham Common» is not at all. It’s in Battersea and nearer Wandsworth Common, actually). It’s bright, fresh, & welcoming inside with comfortable décor and loads of seating over a few levels of dining/​drinking areas.
The food menu is a combination of standard pub offerings + what looks to be a rotating section of world street food (Mexican was on offer, with the menu stating Korean is next), & a bit of direct competition with its Battersea Rise restaurant neighbours (poutine and French dip). We went for Sunday roast and weren’t disappointed. In our group, the beef, pork, & the mixed roasts were ordered and no one was disappointed. I had the beef and it was delicious. The Yorkshires were a little flat, but tasted nice anyway. Lovely potatoes and veg. A solid Sunday roast!
The drinks selection seems to be a good mix of crafty and non-​crafty options. I had a «blush cider» (the brand of which I forget) which was really nice and a little something new.
Service was really friendly. We were welcomed at our table and checked in with multiple times by the waitstaff, even though it’s an order-​at-​the-​bar type pub. Hopefully this sort of great service sticks long after the new pub shine has been worn in. It’s refreshing. I really like this spot.