Key to the success of any new restaurant is hard work and the ability to consistently serve good food and that is certainly in abundance from the team behind neighbourhood restaurant Maunka Kitchen.

In the 18 months since the brasserie opened its doors on the bustling Fulham Road, just a few hundred yards from the Broadway Tube station, affable front of house Joseph Antippa and his talented Kiwi chef partner Tyler Martin have built quite a reputation for themselves, including charming several of the capital's top critics.

There is nothing over complicated about Manuka's concept, and no fancy design statements about the cosy eating area with its fresh white walls and blackboards, comfy burgundy banquette running down one side and a focal point open kitchen where Tyler and his team work.

Having previously been titillated by the evening menu on my latest visit I tried the lunch offering, which on the face of it offers excellent value at £14.95 for two courses, £11.95 for one or a dish of the day for £8.95.

The menu is well constructed and enticing and Fiona's lightly battered crispy squid starter was 'just perfect' with a well balanced black lime dipping sauce and subtle dressed cucumber garnish adding to the taste explosion.

I was attracted to the coffee/fennel cured beef which was not overly salty and quite delicate in flavour. The balance of the fresh tasting dish was added to by sweet mushrooms, balsamic and some crunchy frisse lettuce.

Manuka Kitchen 510 Fulham Road SW6 5NJ
Manuka Kitchen 510 Fulham Road SW6 5NJ

Fiona's main of immaculately delivered fresh shiny pollock with wonderfully crispy skin was accompanied by perfectly cooked butternut squash and carrots (described simply as orange vegetables), a yummy samphire aioli and tender broccoli for a well balanced and colourful plate of food.

A perfectly prepared (medium rare) peppered bravette came with a perfectly seasoned crust and once you cut inside the meat was soft and juicy, it was a great slab of beef. A tangy tomato based relish added extra taste and texture along with some cracking crunchy fries to make for a good honest plate food.

Enjoying ourselves so much we decided to splash out and also have a couple of deserts to round things off. My Manuka honey and saffron brulee (£5) turned out to be a great pud with the rich and intense flavour of the honey and saffron flavouring adding an interesting taste to the traditional brulee recipe.

Fiona was just as happy with Manuka's take on Strawberry mess with crunchy meringue, clotted cream and a fresh strawberry compote, the perfect desert great for an early summer's day.

All in all it Manuka offers excellent value for money with its lunch fare, which can provide a welcome break from the office if time is short or the chance to linger a little longer over a more leisurely lunch and perhaps a glass or two of vino.

Manuka serves lunch from Tuesday-Friday.

Manuka Kitchen 510 Fulham Road SW6 5NJ
Manuka Kitchen 510 Fulham Road SW6 5NJ