I’ve heard plenty about Sticky Mango, housed in a sleepy side street in Southwark. Reviews from legendary Fay Maschler and that Giles Coren were both terrific. The place has some history. It used to be RSJ, a neighbourhood restaurant that those-in-the-know will know is where Posh and Becks once courted back in the day. Then head chef, Peter Lloyd, is now Chef Patron, and his … Continue reading Sticky Mango, Southwark
Pop Brixton has been home to a good few restaurants now. It’s where Kricket rose to fame and Smoke & Salt has gone from strength to strength. A new edition to this shipping container village, just behind Brixton station, is Roe. Given its location, don’t expect hyper luxury. The long, narrow space is well utilised though with two communal tables and a kitchen at the … Continue reading Roe, Brixton
I loved the original Gunpowder near East London’s Spitalfields Market. By their own admission I’m sure, the place is a bit bloody small though. Rejoice then if you like a bit more space with your spice as they’ve just opened a second, much larger, Gunpowder down by Tower Bridge. Inside it’s all warehouse chic as is often the case these days; exposed ducts and piping … Continue reading Gunpowder, Tower Bridge
Casa do Frango is a Portuguese restaurant specialising in piri piri chicken and it’s just round the corner from Borough Market. It makes use of the top floor of a disused warehouse once occupied by squatters. Downstairs you’ve got Native, a different restaurant entirely with separate owners. Upstairs it’s flooded with natural light thanks to the glass roof. It blends run down and beauty perfectly; … Continue reading Casa do Frango, SE1
Oblix in the Shard offers unparalleled views of the city – and you’d hope so being perched on the 32nd floor of one of London’s most iconic buildings. Oblix West is the restaurant, where you walk in through a buzzy open kitchen, Oblix East is the cocktail bar, where you’ll often find live music or a DJ. Our visit is for Sunday lunch and the … Continue reading Oblix, The Shard
It’s not exactly Mayfair but Elephant and Castle is on the up. They’re extending the Bakerloo Line so it won’t be a dead end, there are rumours of the shopping centre finally being redeveloped and there are flats going up at every turn. So Paladar, a new Latin American restaurant, just a short stroll from that chaotic roundabout at E&C, is a great addition for … Continue reading Paladar, Elephant & Castle
It’s a strange stretch of land is Southwark Bridge Road, SE1. Most of you will have never been there. I’ve only gone down there to get to somewhere else. (Mercato Metropolitano is nearby). There’s a Co-Op. Not much else. But now an Argentinian Parrilla has opened, called Chimis, and it’s rather good. It’s owned by two chaps, Federico Fugazza and Nicolas Modad, who became friends … Continue reading Chimis, Southwark
Kudu is a new opening in Peckham, right by Queens Road Peckham station, from partners Amy Corbin (front of house) and Patrick Williams (head chef). Amy worked in New York for six years in interior design which is quite evident from the gorgeous space. It’s dark and sexy. There’s an open kitchen with counter seats saved for walk-ins. Some tables for two are positioned so … Continue reading Kudu, Peckham
It’s a simple but beautiful space is the Garden Cafe; it’s all large floor to ceiling windows, bare wooden chairs, concrete floors and white walls. It’s part of the Garden Museum housed in the church by Lambeth Palace (a short walk from Pharmacy2). It’s the ideal, relaxed lunch time vibe on our Friday visit. And it’s packed. Our charming server, Joe, describes the concise menu … Continue reading The Garden Cafe, Lambeth
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi is having quite the expansion. This, their latest, in the Nova Food development in Victoria, is the first of a few more planned UK openings. And you can see why, the sushi is rather lovely. Based over two floors, we’re seated upstairs with its black arched ceilings. We visit before seeing Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre. If you haven’t seen it … Continue reading Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, Victoria
Coal Rooms, not to be confused with The Coal Shed by Tower Bridge, is a new restaurant in the former ticket office at Peckham Rye train station. It’s a really gorgeous space set into three sections; a café/bar in the entrance, a dining room out the back and counter seats over looking the kitchen in the middle. The latter is definitely the funnest option. Being … Continue reading Coal Rooms, Peckham
The Coal Shed, not to be confused with the Coal Rooms in Peckham or the Coal Hole on the Strand, is a new meat and fish focussed restaurant in that swanky new development by Tower Bridge. There’s an Ivy cafe, a load more restaurants about to open and The Bridge Theatre from two chaps who used to work at the National Theatre. Inside, it’s all … Continue reading The Coal Shed, Tower Bridge
Looking at the Yamagoya website you’ll see photos of the first shack being put together in Fukuoka, Japan back in 1969. Founder, Mr. Ogata proudly poses with a bowl of steaming hot ramen. There’s history and heritage. Walking in to their first London ramen shop (after a successful pop up above Shuang Shuang) none of that heritage is present. It feels like a well polished … Continue reading Yamagoya, SE1
Pasta is the big thing at the moment right? Padella kicked it off. Then Stevie Parle’s Pastaio got in on the action and now Flour & Grape in South London’s Bermondsey Street. It’s where Antico once was, the owner deciding to give the place an overhaul and focus mainly on pasta and wines by the glass so now we have Flour & Grape. The space … Continue reading Flour & Grape, Bermondsey Street
Since 2005, Roast restaurant has been overlooking Borough Market’s Floral Hall churning out the punters 7 days a week from breakfast to Sunday lunch. I’ve been a fan of their Roast to Go pork baps, partly due to the quality of the pig but mainly for the masses of crackling you get. £6.50 very well spent I say. Upstairs in the first floor dining room … Continue reading Roast, Borough Market
