Proper good Mexican food – “authentic” street-food style – is difficult to find in London. However, some new spots are cropped up on the block – Hacha Bar in Hackney East, Lucia’s in Hackney Wick and closer to my neck of the woods, Taquiza in Peckham Rye. Under the arches and adjacent to the famous … Continue reading Taquiza
Tucked behind the White Horse pub at the tip of Rye Lane, Janda Diner is a two-dozen seater Malaysian restaurant that punches well above its weight. Thanks to the insights shared by one of the very welcoming founders, Lanny, I learn that “Janda” translates as “female divorcee”. Often stigmatised, Janda here is recast as an … Continue reading Janda Diner
A Pimlico Road local, The Orange pub and hotel – part of the Cubitt House family – has recently undergone a renovation both on the décor and food front. Adjoining its boutique hotel, the pub is housed in a handsome white stucco building looking out onto the lovely Orange Square. The menu has been overseen … Continue reading The Orange
The aptly-named Half Cut Market occupies that curiously limbo area: on the cusp of Islington and Camden, it’s neither Tufnell, Holloway nor Kentish. Though (or because) of its half-way space (pun intended), it’s one that has proven ripe for regeneration, with a thriving scene of artisan coffee shops, independent wine bars and creative pop-ups. Half … Continue reading Half Cut Market
From the team behind The Counter in Notting Hill comes its second venue on Soho’s Kingly Street. Chef Kemal Demirasal is one of Turkey’s most celebrated (self-taught) chefs and former six-time Turkish national windsurfing champion. Sticking with the coastal theme, here he celebrates the food of the Aegean coast: dishes are crafted with salt dried … Continue reading The Counter
Poon’s Wontoneria is currently operating as a pop-up on Charlotte Street. Despite being a relative newcomer to the London food scene, it boasts a long and proud history. It’s the kind of tale that might feature on a Netflix documentary. No stranger to the London food scene, legendary Bill and Cecilia Poon introduced London to … Continue reading Poon’s Wontoneria
For modern Malaysian flavours with a Chinese influence, full of life, colour and fragrance, a trip (or trek) to Mambow (no. 4) in Clapton is well worth it. Founder Abby Lee honed her skills spending two years in Puglia. Mambow (no. 1) initially launched as a bowl food pop-up in Commercial Street in 2020. Due … Continue reading Mambow
With three branches – in Stockwell, Haggerston and Bethnal Green – Arepa & Co is a Venezuelan arepera serving traditional food in a contemporary and very colourful environment. Hidden away within the charming De Beauvoir Village, the Haggerston outpost overlooks the canal. Though we visited for a Sunday dinner, I’d definitely return for daytime brunch … Continue reading Arepa & Co
Restaurants are all about staging, and Milk Beach ticks all the boxes on that front. Its second branch, after the highly popular Queen’s Park restaurant that hit north-west London in 2018 and quickly became known for its brunches, this Soho outpost more of the same formula. Think a breezy flutter through Mediterranean and south-east Asian … Continue reading Milk Beach
Founded in 2019 by three old friends and long-time South East London residents – Luke, Ben and Helen – Peckham Cellars feels like a place set up by locals for locals – somewhere that should be kept quiet. With a relaxed vibe, it’s the kind of wine bar-come-bistro that you want to keep hidden so … Continue reading Peckham Cellars
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