Freaky Feast from pop-up to Parsons Green
Near Parsons Green station, this venue has seen many restaurants try and fail. I used to live nearby and remember it was a pizza place before, which always appeared empty despite its appealing appearance. It sounds exactly like a freakish turnaround, doesn’t it?
However, The Freak Scene is bucking this trend because the evening I visited was beyond full capacity, with people waiting outside and a constant stream of customers coming in.
Ambiance:
I understand why people are drawn to this restaurant. It’s the interior, with its eclectic charm, that seems almost mismatched with the quiet, family-friendly atmosphere of Parsons Green. They’ve cleverly used a sushi counter as part of their decor, which surprisingly complements their neon bar-style interior.
I personally prefer a cozier and quieter setting for dinner to enjoy the food itself. The neon lighting was more reminiscent of a bar, and the music was a bit too loud for my taste. However, as you can probably deduce from their name, they intended to create this unique and unconventional dining experience, which works for some people.
Service:
The speed of serving the dishes became slow towards the end, and there were some minor issues with the payment process. However, all of the staff were kind and polite throughout the evening.
I also appreciate as an Japanese that they made an effort to create an authentic Japanese table setting, using wooden chopsticks, Japanese stones, and Japanese type of plates.
Drink:
I’m happy with their gorgeous-looking cocktails, and I appreciate that they offer not only wine but also Sake and unique shots!
Price: £££
The price you pay for the culinary spectacle that unfolds before you is reasonable. Every bite and flavor combination is worth it. While some dishes may appear small, the unique twists they offer make them worth every penny.
What I Ordered:
I was excited when I checked their Pan-Asian menu. The menu reminded me a bit of FUDIZM, as I wondered how the chef came up with these combinations, although I have to admit that FUDIZM executed the taste better.
The Freak Scene is run by Australian chef Scott Hallsworth (ex- Head chef of Nobu and one-time founder of Kurobuta)
Furikake Hash Browns with 1. Tartar Spiky blue fin tuna, wasabi mayo & pomello and 2. Yellowtail with kizami wasabi salsa & yuzu-soy
This dish is beautifully presented, featuring a unique dropper for soy sauce. Both bites were exceptionally fresh and offered a delightful balance of flavors. The mild heat of the wasabi added a pleasant kick without overpowering the dish, while the pomelo and yuzu provided bursts of citrusy brightness that cut through the richness of the fish.
The Hash Browns, with their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, provided a perfect textural contrast. Together, they created a harmonious symphony of taste and texture that was both satisfying and adventurous.
Jerusalem Artichoke ‘Chopsticks’
Texture played a pivotal role in the success of this dish. The crispiness of the Jerusalem artichoke ‘chopsticks’ pairs wonderfully with their creamy interior.
One minor downside was that the truffle ponzu dip had a slightly overpowering acidity, which occasionally overshadowed the delicate flavor of the artichoke.
Grilled Hispi Cabbage
The sauce for this dish was yet another blend of ponzu and truffle, and it had quite a zesty kick—almost a bit too much, once again. While the nut-brown butter did add a luxurious, nutty undertone to the cabbage, it was somewhat overshadowed by the pronounced zestiness, unfortunately.
Their truffle topping saved the dish well with an exquisite aroma and elevated the entire experience.
*BBQ Pork Belly Buns
Absolutely delicious, especially those beautifully soft, airy buns…! I could have eaten more! The pork belly was a star in its own right, with a perfect balance of meaty and fatty textures. The amazu pickles provided a delightful contrast with their refreshing tanginess, while the peanut-soy sauce introduced a creamy, nutty element.
Although the sauce had a strong soy sauce flavor that almost overshadowed the delightful pork fattiness, I can still vividly recall how tasty the bun was.
At this point, I assume Chef Scott has a penchant for using plenty of ponzu and soy sauce throughout his dishes, but they would be even more satisfying if he could dial it back a bit.
*Duck Red Curry Buns
This dish was a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and sweet notes. From the first bite, I became a fan of this dish. Look at their beautiful bronze color…The Thai red curry was rich and aromatic, offering a pleasant level of heat without overwhelming the palate. It’s a balanced combination that showcases the complexity of Thai cuisine.
When you dip these pillowy yet crunchy fried bao buns… Scarpetta Scarpetta. The sweetness of the bun harmoniously matched with the hot curry. It was a ding-dong moment!
Cheese Cake
Umph. The presentation wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I was hoping for the classic triangular slice, not something served in a fancy cocktail glass. However, the taste didn’t disappoint me.
I wish there was more cheesecake and less topping sauce, as the nuts and cherry sauce were quite sweet, making it a bit challenging to finish.
Conclusion:
The Freak Scene Parsons Green in Fulham SW6 is an intoxicating love of flavor. It invites you to leave your comfort zone, trying things you’ve never tasted, and embracing the unexpected. If you’re up for a food adventure that’ll wake up your taste buds and make you fall in love with food all over again, The Freak Scene is where it’s at.
Get ready to be wowed, caught off guard, and completely smitten by the mind-blowing food they serve up. This place totally lives up to its name, delivering an absolute blast for food enthusiasts.
Tips from Hanako:
- Check the bill before you pay, They did some mistakes.
- Better to book
- A bit loud and dark space, so probably not for a family dinner
- They do a lovely brunch too
- Check their IG, you can find my post too!
Don’t miss it!
Booking through the website: https://www.freakscenerestaurants.com/
