Beach Blanket Babylon

Beach Blanket and Babylon is a pretty place where pretty people meet. I've always found it a bit overrated but I can't deny that it's actually pretty and I get fascinated by the decor and the people who hung out there. My main purpose for visiting the place, other than people watching, is the long list of varied - and well made - cocktails that they have. On Saturdays they also have a DJ playing some tunes to the pretty crowd.

However, I also like to come here for a late lunch when visiting Portobello Rd - the menu is not long but it has a bit of everything to satisfy all the palates - pasta, salads, fish, burger, schnitzel - as it's three blocks away from the crowds visiting the market so you're in a safe place (and with pretty people!).

If you, however, want to visit the restaurant at "peak time" make sure you have a reservation, even if it's just for drinks. The place gets packed with pretty people over the weekend.

DETAILS:
Beach Blanket Babylon - www.beachblanket.co.uk - 45 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AA / 19-23 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA

Hispania

This is my favourite Spanish restaurant in the city, and actually located in The City. It's not only about the food, although the food is amazing, but also because the building is beautiful, and the ambiance they've managed to create makes you feel like home! - the staff who couldn't be friendlier or more helpful.

I was introduced to it by my sister's father in law last summer - a bit of a long story -, and since then I've been plenty of times and it's always been amazeballs. The place is usually busy so I recommend that you book a table, as even if there is a bar area it tends to be packed.

You shouldn't miss the "croquetas de compango" (or the "croquetas de cecina"), the tuna tartare, and the "arroz negro" (black rice) - it is so yummy! I will always include the Padron peppers because I absolutely adore them.

I must warn you that the amount showing at the bottom of your bill will be not be low, but I can assure you that you will have a superb experience - and you can't take your boss or the in laws, they will fall in love with you - if they haven't already.

DETAILS:
Hispania - www.hispanialondon.com/‎ - 72-74 Lombard St, London, Greater London EC3V 9AY

The Fray

This is the second time that I've seen The Fray live, and it's the second time that I happen to be with them in a confined space enjoying their music; just as if they were playing at home. The same day that their new album Helios came out, it was presented at London's Scala - a really good venue because it's easy to get to as it's just off King's Cross and it's small enough to be able to stand close to the stage.

There is something always really special when seeing a band for the first time but it's also incredible when you see them in a small venue. I fell in love with them, yet again especially with Joe.

Even if they're best known for their slow songs as "Cable Car (over my head)" and "How to Save a Life", I leave you the link to their new single of the last album that has a higher beat and you will be driven to put on your cowboy boots. Love Don't Die!

 

DETAILS:
The Fray - www.thefray.com/‎ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WptxUWvrINQ
Scala - www.scala-london.co.uk - 275 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9NL 

Mestizo

I love Mexico, their food and tequila (even if the following day it might feel not such a good idea). So imagine how happy I am living just 2 blocks from one of the best Mexican restaurants in London. Maybe it's not too cool for school but the food is just glorious.

Always start with the guacamole -you can never get enough guacamole- and then with some panuchos and jaladas. Once you've eaten the starters and downed your first frozen margarita, you can jump into the serious stuff: the taco tray. Just be bear in mind that you can do a lot of tacos, so just place 2 orders for 4 people - my favourite meats for the tray are alambre and pastor, but anything is good. I never miss the quesadillas with huitlacoche, and for the more adventurous I'd suggest the enchiladas con mole. Yes, that's a lot of food, hence you'll need the tequila flowing.

If you're in the hood or you crave for real Mexican food, you must pay a vist. Viva Zapata!

DETAILS:
Mestizo - london.mestizomx.com/‎ - 103 Hampstead Rd, London NW1 3EL

Tom's Kitchen

The ethos of Tom’s Kitchen is simple: use the very best seasonal and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible

Tom Aikens is the chef behind the idea of Tom'w Kitchen, a place where you'll find a menu varied enough to include something that everyone will like - meat, fish, pasta, salads -; as per their ethos, the source of the produce is all organic and natural and that's what I will call "a recipe for success". The portions are not specially big so sides are recommended, especially the truffle and Parmesan chips - those are to die for! The Tom's Kitchen branch in Somerset House is one of my favourite places for a Sunday brunch - amazing eggs benedict - and you can always catch an exhibit afterwards.

The service is usually really good as they believe that "food is much more than just fuel to sustain. It is food as culture, food that breaks down barriers, and food that brings people together". So get your family and/or friends together and enjoy! 


DETAILS:
Tom's Kitchen - www.tomskitchen.co.uk/ - Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA

Dabbous

Apparently, it is (or was) very difficult to get a table in this restaurant considered as a place to be - and be seen - in the central London night. When a friend offered his booking whilst out of town for business, we couldn't turn it down.

In Dabbous you get offered a set menu created by a trendy chef, so you should incline to get it - even if you have a la carte menu, this is just a shorter version of the set menu. That said you will have to agree with all your party because the set menu is only served to the full table.

I'm not going to enter in the description of the seven dishes that we had because you can read that on the picture at the top - or on their website (better this second option as the menu probably changes with some sort of frequency); to this date I haven't really made an opinion of the place - well, I liked the place, the atmosphere and the formality of the staff whilst wearing casual clothes.

It was 5 of us having dinner and we debated about the food for a while when we finished but the only common agreement we got to is that we didn't love it. So unfortunately not worth the visit; for the money you pay you can have much better food in many restaurants in London.

P.S. One good thing about the restaurant is the location because it's just around the corner from the LCC of Goodge St that is a guaranteed place for drunkenness and hence loads of fun!

DETAILS:
Dabbous - www.dabbous.co.uk/‎ - 39 Whitfield St, London WIT 2SF
London Cocktail Club - www.londoncocktailclub.co.uk/ - ‎61 Goodge St, London W1T 1TL

Yalla Yalla

In a rainy early night on a Friday I walked with my friend Hari into this little place right off Oxford Street looking forward to a nice Lebanese dinner - so long waited given all the attention the place has received lately.

There is a quite long list of mezzes, which are great to share and gives you the opportunity to try different things - they all looked and smell yummy - and you also have really appealing mains for the ones who are not keen to share.

We decided to share and we got the traditional hummus, babbaganoush, sawda djej, halloumi, makale samak and arayes before getting baklava for dessert - with fresh mint tea to help with the digestion.  It was all really good and tasty so for me the better choice as it was the first time. Having said that, the chicken shawarma that the guy in the next table got looked lush! 

Yalla Yalla is a great place for a quick bite - the name of the restaurant translates to "hurry up" - but bear in mind that the place is small and they don't do bookings. For the wait I recommend the Turkish Delight martini.

DETAILS:
Yalla Yalla - www.yalla-yalla.co.uk/‎ - 12 Winsley St, London W1W 8HQ / 1 Green's Court, London W1F 0HA