We Love Local: Ben’s Canteen

Tell us a little bit about Ben’s Canteen.

We're a neighbourhood hangout and an alternative to going to the pub. We're proud to serve one of the most indulgent brunches in London with great coffee and epic Bloody Marys. In the evenings we serve small plates and big juicy burgers alongside cracking cocktails, craft beers and exciting wines.

We began in August 2011 on St John's Hill in Battersea and have since aimed to be fun, relaxed and different in what we offer in terms of food and drink and in the design of the bar and restaurant, and people seem to respond positively to that. 

I love watching people have conversations and engage positively in the space.

Tell us a little about your work with Wandsworth Foodbank.

We are aware that some people around us, in our community, have a tough time and we wanted to work with a local charity to help make people’s lives just a touch better.

Obviously with the food link, working with the Foodbank makes sense, plus they are just down the road from our St John's Hill Canteen. We donate 50p every time somebody buys one of our Mexi Burgers. It's nice that on every menu we get to highlight the Foodbank and therefore raise awareness as well as some money towards their costs.

Your Monday nights are ‘Industry Night’, can you tell us about the thinking behind this?

We wanted to hang out with fellow people from the industry, people who understand the business we're in and the challenges it presents - doing that over a discounted beer or two seemed a good idea. 

What kind of atmosphere can patrons expect when visiting Ben’s Canteen?

Ben’s Canteen is relaxed, fun and different.  It’s got a great buzz at night and weekend brunch and is chilled if you pop in midweek to get some work done or for a bit of an indulgent treat.

What is your most popular dish? Do you  have a personal favourite?

During the day it's neck and neck between the Big Ben (full English breakfast) and the Smashed Avocado on Toast with a Poached Egg and Chorizo. At night it's the BC Burger. I love to order lots of our small plates, like our Scotch Egg, Lamb Flatbread and Fish Tacos, I love lots of varied flavours and small plates mean I get to order lots and try out different things all at the same time.

At Douglas & Gordon, we love local. Why do you love Battersea?

Battersea has been really good to us. They've allowed us first timers to the industry to create and evolve a concept and have supported us throughout that evolution; that's pretty special. Without their support, we wouldn't be here.

Do you have any favourite spots around Battersea?

Battersea Park is amazing and that area around the Doodle Bar is also fantastic.   

Anything else you would like to add?

Watch out for more to come from the Canteen including a new summer food and drinks menu! 

Ben’s Canteen is collaborating with Douglas & Gordon for the love of all things local and is kindly offering 4 burgers as a prize giveaway to one lucky winner. To enter, all you have to do is visit our Facebook page and tell us how you choose to relax in Battersea. To find out more about Ben’s Canteen, visit their website at http://benscanteen.com/or follow them on Twitter.