There’s promise of a heatwave returning (let’s pray), which surely means summer will finally feel like it’s here… towards the end of August? Whether the sunshine does finally reappear with some form of consistency or not, let these three destinations be your next pit stop when you’re looking for a foodie venture in the capital this August Bank Holiday weekend.
One for the gram
From the team that brought us the hugely popular L’ETO cafés comes a newly-opened restaurant in Knightsbridge. MY&SANNÉ is extremely pleasing on the eye, with interiors painted in popping candy colours and the ceiling covered in an eye-catching array of foliage. Fairy lights and lanterns are nestled among the faux flowers to further enhance their prettiness. The main attraction, however, is a display counter that stretches the entire length of a wall and shows off row upon row of delectable-looking cakes, tarts and meringues. There is no menu for them, as they rotate almost daily, but if it’s available the creme fraiche raspberry cheesecake is heaven.
The savoury dishes are also ones to be savoured. The Confit Chicken Croquettes starters are fantastic, while the Irish Dry Aged Rib Eye Steak is absolutely banging. MY&SANNÉ succeeds in pulling off not just a really great menu with hints of Greek, Italian and Asian flavours, but a very impressive interior that’s bright, fresh, green and cosy all in one. It’ll definitely look good on your grid.
One for the pub-lovers
For the next 6 months, Turkish street food experts Nomad Bros have taken over the kitchen at The Gipsy Queen, one of London’s last remaining independently run pubs situated in Kentish Town. The brothers, who hail from Istanbul, are legends in the game when it comes to blending the finest traditional tastes of old school Istanbul street food with contemporary twists.
Nomad Bros’ extensive menu is a reflection of the food that they enjoyed growing up. The menu is perfect if you want a quick delicious nibble alongside a pint of craft beer (of which there are many) or if you want to share a whole feast of food. Standout dishes include the traditional Borek (fried rolled pastry with feta cheese and flat parsley), amazing Falafel that comes with a spicy tomato salsa, Popcorn Halloumi (halloumi should always be a must, especially when bite sized), Turkish fries (with chilli and oregano) and the famous ‘Shwarmageddon’ wrap, which was a personal favourite. Grab a table in the sun-trap garden area and indulge yourself in a range of Turkish delights.
One for the outdoor social butterflies
The Phoenix brings a vibrant green English garden to its vast space outside Westfield shopping mall in Shepherd’s Bush, providing the ideal area for all-day-dining and post-shopping pick-me-ups. The venue has a very impressive capacity for 400 outside on the glorious terrace, making it the perfect space for large groups and parties after the easing of restrictions. Open seven days a week from 11am to midnight, it’s fast become West London’s go-to hangout.
There’s a busy roster of DJs, live music and entertainment with quizzes, comedy, singles nights and dancing taking place throughout the week. Another draw of course is the food and drink. The cocktail list has a real focus on Mezcal and Tequila paired with freshly juiced fruit, which was inspired by the team’s recent trip to Mexico. If you like cocktails with a kick then the Margarita Picante is made with chilli and coriander, while the Case Margarita includes jalapeño and cucumber.
When it comes to the food, The Phoenix is now home for delicious street food and the pizzas the team have become famous for. There are a number of Neapolitan style sourdough pizzas from £8.50 with an array of mouthwatering toppings including Nduja & Chilli and Aubergine & Kale. My personal recommendation would be the juicy aged onglet steak and skinny fries with aromatic chimichurri (£12.75), which has become a foodie favourites. The Levant Salad (£12.75) is another fave, which comes piled high with hummus, charred aubergines, pickled root veg, soft boiled egg, new potatoes & zatar – served with soft freshly made flatbreads.
