Naughty Piglets | A Charming Bistro & Natural Wine Bar in Brixton
As you walk up Effra Road, away from the dizzying, multisensory buzz of central Brixton, there appears to be less and less in the way of eateries.
Effra Social and Hootananny’s offer a great night out, to be sure – but your instinct might be telling you to turn back in your search for dinner.
On this one occasion… do not follow that instinct.
Because in time you’ll find yourself outside Naughty Piglets: a relaxed, friendly and inviting bistro set up by Margaux Aubry and Joe Sharratt. Their natural knack for hospitality; the unpretentious atmosphere; and of course, the excellent food and drink, has made the place an enduring local favourite.
After almost a decade on the pans here, chef Joe has since moved on to open The Bear gastropub in Camberwell, so Naughty Piglets has recently shifted to a residency model instead. And they’ve really pulled a doozy with their latest recruit. Aaron Potter’s CV is studded with Michelin star outfits like Trinity and Elystan Street, where he was head chef. And ahead of opening his first solo restaurant, Wildflowers, this summer, he’s flexing his culinary muscle here at Naughty Piglets.
What’s on the menu? Glad you asked. Expect Mediterranean dishes like wild garlic moules farci, and grilled sweetbreads with tzatziki and cuttlefish rice – which should go very well with Margaux’s personally selected wine list, focussing on natural wines that wear their terroir on their sleeve. But don’t feel overwhelmed – the cheery, well-informed staff at Naughty Piglets will happily guide you to something that’s going to float your boat.
If you don’t fancy the schlep back to Brixton station just yet, why not head downstairs to their basement bar for a night cap. It’s a bare brick, candle-lit dive with wine barrels for tables and empty bottles lined up around the perimeter of the room.
You can probably spot Jean Valjean plotting in the corner.
NOTE: Naughty Piglets is open for dinner from Tues-Sat, and for lunch on Saturday. Aaron Potter’s residency starts on April 30th. For more information, and to book, head here.
Naughty Piglets | 28 Brixton Water Lane, SW2 1PE
Once you’ve been here… you should probably check out the best restaurants in Brixton.