Kerbisher & Malt, fish and chip shop, Hammersmith

Kerbisher and Malt is a modern, upmarket British fish and chip shop. You can take out, but the clean stylish interior may encourage you to eat in. Cool photos hang on the white tiled walls, and trendy wooden benches and tables provide casual seating. Located in W6, a few minutes walk from Hammersmith station, I was delighted to be visiting a café so close to home.

The food is simple and classic, a selection of fish varieties that promises to be the best and freshest available. I was disappointed they didn’t have plaice when I went along, but as all the fish bought in is fresh off the boat, it obviously means the menu will vary, and so it should in a good fish eatery. Impressed by the inclusion of sustainable fish on the menu, I chose the Coley. The batter was crisp and light, and inside the soft melting white fish was perfectly cooked, and super fresh.

The best bit was perhaps the deliciously vinegary pickled onion rings. I find this accompaniment can often be too sloppy and greasy but these were perfect, the onion was cooked but still a little crunchy, as I like it, with a pleasant kick from the pickling and a generous coating of batter. Oh, and the twice-cooked chips were amazing, I couldn’t help finishing off my large portion, a far cry from the usual soggy and heavy chips in most takeaway places.

It was lovely to see some regular customers come in while I was eating… each ordering their favourites from the menu, bulging chip butties or bowls of crispy calamari with chilli sauce. We also tried the Kerbisher side salad, an interesting mix, sprinkled with pomegranate, this gave a little necessary greenery to the meal!

We didn’t have pudding (I ate too many chips) but Jude’s ice-cream is on offer. I overheard the waitress listing the flavours and there are more than enough to satisfy all tastes.

Kerbisher and Malt is old fashioned and stylish, with reasonable pricing, comfortable seating and seriously decent grub. Surely the best fish and chip shop in West London?

Visit the website here for more information.

Megan's cafe and restaurant, King's Road

Megan's is the type of place where the Made in Chelsea cast hang out: a humble, picturesque little cafe-restaurant-deli where Fulham's upper west side enjoy amicable champagne brunches and light lunches.

Despite being located on the upmarket King's Road with elite customers, the place has a down to earth and friendly atmosphere, and prices are very reasonable. Visitors are kept content with yummy home cooked food and delicious fresh juices. Out back is a magical courtyard to use on warmer days.

I went along for a late breakfast with my best friend last weekend. We found Megan’s to be the perfect place to munch and gossip. Every table was occupied by a gaggle of excited girls, the adjacent lot were sipping fizzy and celebrating an engagement.

After an extra busy morning, the staff were very apologetic explaining that all the hot food had gone, so sadly no bacon butties and toasted crumpets for us. We settled for warmed almond croissants and candied lemon cake, with creamy cappuccinos and freshly pressed apple and orange juice. Everything was delicious, I just wish we’d had the chance to sample more of the menu; I guess that’s an excuse for going back.

Next to the till home-made jams, flavoured oils, pickles and sauces are prettily stacked for diners to buy on their way out. The white peach and saternes jam and chilli and thyme infused olive oil looked particularly appetizing.

As we left the waitresses were frantically getting ready for the next bookings. Megan’s doesn’t need to advertise, they pride themselves on being the best kept secret café in South West London.

Visit Megan's website here.

Laduree, Covent Garden

Laduree is the perfect place for a spot of tea. I visited the quaint Covent Garden branch a few days ago to gossip with a friend. It is a fairytale cafe with matching tea sets and a pretty pale green theme, an Alice in Wonderland destination. The waiters are, of course all French... and trot around delivering delicious snacks to the 'ladies that lunch'.

The menu is very tempting with every cake you could desire but also the option to have a full meal if you so wish. As Laduree is famous for its macaroons, we decided this was the treat for us. We tried raspberry, pistachio, rose and salted caramel. My favourite was the airy pale pink rose flavour filled with fluffy white sweet cream icing. The salted caramel was an amazing combination too and melted in the mouth. Like most things from Paris, the Laduree macaroons are petite, stylish and exceptionally delicious.

There is an extensive tea list to choose from, and after much debate we decided on one portion of rose tea and one of almond. Both were flavoursome and sweet (there is no need for milk) and they complement the macaroons perfectly. Laduree has everything you need to feel like a Parisian princess for the day, and is the perfect pick me up between shifts of Covent Garden shopping!

Visit Laduree in Covent Garden, in Harrods or on Burlington Arcade. See the website here.

ST ALi, Coffeebar Cafe & Roastery, Clerkenwell

It was THE day for having brunch in London... Saturday 1st October 2011 with the sun's scorching rays encouraging us all to make the most of the last of summer. St ALi was the location, 27 Clerkenwell Road and we were there nice and early while the locals seemed to still be yawning hello to the weekend.

I was thrilled to finally be visiting St. ALi, one of the coolest coffee joints in town. As I sat on the welcoming benches outside, the sky a luminous shade of sapphire and the street glowing with early morning sunshine, I could easily have been in southern Europe. Inside the venue is relaxed and friendly, a constant chatter can be heard all around from satisfied diners. Baristas and waitresses assemble in the central station where tempting croissants adorn the counter and coffee machines are hard at work. We were seated upstairs where it is just as busy, in fact we were warned we may have to queue as St Ali gets so popular at weekends, but luckily avoided this (a line had formed outside by the time we left at 12.30pm).

For the sake of a thorough review, we selected a variety of brunch choices. Sampling the divine coffee, freshly roasted and ground onsite (we even saw the giant machine), the creamy hot chocolate and the freshly squeezed orange juice. Foodwise there is ample choice - whatever you feel like, light or more filling. Persuaded by the display downstairs, we couldn’t resist the pastries and so ordered an almond croissant and pain au chocolat to share. Soft, luxurious, flaky and buttery they were delicious, especially for dipping into the rich coffees.

I chose the salad of mango, watermelon, pineapple, passion fruit and pomegranate, with minted yoghurt & granola, a mountain of the freshest fruit stacked in a stunning pile of bright colours, it looked too good to eat. The minted yoghurt is an original addition, adding a kick of contrasting flavour, and the granola gave crunch. My friends ordered the French toast, with organic maple syrup, vanilla mascarpone & caramelised walnuts, a combination which makes my mouth water just to write it. This dish comes with the option of extra dry aged bacon but they decided it was decadent enough already. I tried the toast, and can confirm it is absolutely scrumptious, the perfect brunch treat.

If only I lived in Clerkenwell, I would be a regular customer of St ALi, but for now I will have to cherish the memory of a brilliant October brunch.

St ALi can be found at 27 Clerkenwell Road, they don't take reservations so get there early. Visit the website here.

'Alphabet Soup': Isabel Greenberg Prints and Illustrations, The Haberdashery Cafe

A trip all the way up to North London is only endured for very special events, one such occurred last week, the opening of a little exhibition of Isabel Greenberg’s prints and illustrations. The work is on display in the endearingly cute Haberdashery Cafe in leafy Crouch End, incidentally shortlisted as one of London’s best coffee shops. Decorated with pretty bunting, vintage teacups and old school sweeties scattered about, it is the perfect setting for Issy’s characterful work.

At the opening, enthusiastic fans gathered in the cosy cafe to enjoy the collection of recent work while munching on crisps and sipping wine. The show is appropriately named ‘Alphabet Soup’ after one of the pieces that depicts various foods and drinks for each of the twenty-six letters, including J for jelly, K for ketchup and Z for zucchini! Intricately drawn, it is witty and intriguing like many of Issy’s creations. Also on show, are the brilliantly clever comics: cute stories and amusing anecdotes that I could ponder over for hours.

Issy’s work is ridiculously affordable, for the moment; once the wider world find out about it, it will surely go up in price - so definitely worth buying some now. I was most tempted by the fold-out prints designed for giving your shelves or bookcases a brand new look. Humorous, clever and beautifully drawn, they are imaginative and unique and would make the perfect gift.

This is a lovely cafe with some really lovely, lovely art. Go and see it at: The Haberdashery, 22 Middle Lane, Crouch End.

Food for Thought, Vegetarian Restaurant in Covent Garden

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Food for Thought first opened its doors to the hungry masses in July 1974. Ideally situated for a quick bite or pre-theatre dining and only minutes from Covent Garden tube, they offer simple nourishing bowls of vegetarian food, freshly and lovingly prepared. Menus change daily according to seasonal produce, and everything is priced very reasonably.

The little cafe is full of charm and personality, a quirky diner that has become a firm favourite for Londoners and tourists. My parents apparently often visited as students, and still enjoy eating there. I was taken aback by the immensely friendly service and lovely atmosphere, it is like a special little canteen, everyone packed in and having a good time. We had a good chat with one of the chefs, who furthered my enthusiasm for the place. I was reminded of New York where speciality eateries are plentiful and diverse.

After debating about the veggie lasagne or stirfry, the fruit crumble or salads (everything looked wonderful), we decided on the delicious homemade soup, a fragrant carrot and coriander, seasoned with a kick of spice. To accompany a heavy but delicious cheese scone, perfect for soup dunking or eating alone. As a busy blogger, I am always looking for unique little restaurants serving fresh and delicious food - a welcome change from the usual PRET sandwich. Food for Thought has character as well as a healthy appetising menu to satisfy any stomach.

Visit the website here, and pop in next time you’re in Covent Garden.

The Troubadour

The Troubadour can make a claim to be Earl’s Court most famous cafe, not that there is much to compete with in the vicinity. It was a cosy refuge on a dreary wet Wednesday night last week when I went with a few school friends. I hadn’t realised when we arranged to rendezvous there that I had been once before.

It is best known as a music venue, and I’ve heard very good things about it on this count. My singer-songwriter cousin often gigs in the basement area, where many happening artists seem to reside, chilling out with a casual beer in hand, humming through relaxed and melancholic music – well I imagine that’s what it’s like. The place has a nostalgic feel with copper pots and pans hanging lopsided from the ceiling and crooked pictures on the walls, a sort of grubby chic charm.

A troubadour was a composer-minstrel in medieval Europe and that’s where the name originates from. This venue was born in 1954 as part of the second great London coffee craze. We booked ahead to ensure we got a table; it tends to suddenly fill up around 8 pm, even midweek. Ravenous, we squeezed into our table and ordered immediately. An interesting assortment of dishes feature on the menu, from veggie burgers to steak, fishcakes to homemade pasta. We made a pact to try them all, for research! I had the ricotta ravioli, which cost a staggering £14.50, expensive despite its homemade qualities. The pasta was cooked to perfection but unfortunately covered in too much oil making it unpleasantly greasy. Luckily the kind waiter was able to meet my request for more parmesan, and brought a charming little potful free of charge. My friend’s dishes were enjoyable but didn’t quite meet expectations considering the high prices. The chips and sweet potato wedges were very good and provided us with grazing food as we continued to natter away. Alongside our meal a good bottle of white wine was reasonably priced.

This is a great little venue, and has real character. I’ll definitely be coming back for drinks and maybe a gig, but won’t be trying the food again.

Aware: Art, Fashion, Identity exhibition, and Sketch pop-up cafe at The Royal Academy of Arts

Last Friday I had another successful lunchtime trip, this time to the Royal Academy of Arts specifically GSK Contemporary: AWARE ART FASHION IDENTITY. The GSK Contemporary building is located round the back of the main RA Gallery, and to get there you walk through the very tempting Burlington Arcade, which at the moment feels like it has captured the very essence of Christmas.

The show explores the use of clothing and fashion as an important marker of individuality and social identity, illustrating how fashion can communicate and reveal along with its more obvious practical function. The collection is divided into four sections: Storytelling, Building, Belonging & Confronting and Performance. With work from more than thirty international makers, there is a massive variety to admire. Among the artists there are a few names I recognised: Yoko Ono (see image above), Grayson Perry and Alexander McQueen all contribute.

The work is spaced apart, in fact I feel it gets a bit swallowed up by the very large dark rooms, and so becomes a bit lifeless. There are some amazing feats of patient craft, for example Susie Macmurray’s ‘Widow’ 2009, a magnificent silver dress made from leather and adamantine dressmaker’s pins. The garment is elegant, feminine and seductive and yet painfully repelling, with the connection of female craft and pain. Another mysterious dress hangs wilting in the first corridor. ‘Say Goodbye’, 2010 by Helen Storey is a soluble frock that hangs stagnant melting into a pot of water. I love Grayson Perry’s work and his piece in this show is no exception, his embroidered artist’s robe stands tall, decorated immaculately with big blue eyes.

I found the rest of the work a little lack lustre, although felt oddly calmed by the exhibition. There is an intriguing installation by Hussain Chalayan, ‘Son of Sonzai Suru’, 2010. It uses a traditional form of Japanese puppet theatre to examine the manipulative element of the fashion industry. A female stands in a beautiful lit dress, dark figures surround her, intruding into her space and peering within the dress. It is a haunting display that brings together different cultures and creative disciplines.

Downstairs Mayfair’s renowned restaurant, Sketch returns with its RA Sketch pop-up cafe for a second year and it has never looked better. Pierre Gagnaire has created a menu inspired by Parisian dining available for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. I had just eaten a big meal so couldn’t quite manage one of the beautiful looking cakes, but will definitely be returning to try their treats out. I loved the waitresses outfits too, they skip around in ‘labour of love' patterned jackets, fluorescent pink Converse and dinky skirts made by trendy Brick Lane designer, Twin Diverses. Their clothes are less of a uniform more of a fashion statement, very apt considering the exhibition. Despite not feeling quite as exclusive as the Mayfair joint, this pop-up Sketch is a lovely addition to the gallery space.

AWARE: ART FASHION IDENTITY and Sketch pop-up cafe will be open until 30 January 2011.

The Book Club Cafe

View from inside the cafe

The Book Club is a new cafe-club in Shoreditch, hidden away on Leonard Street. I spent last Sunday afternoon there with friends.

I love one-off little creative havens. In Manchester I adored TROF, a cafe-club that served delicious food and drinks, was relaxed and comfortable, with good smiley service, interesting artefacts on the walls and excellent evening gigs. Everything you could ever want or need. The Book Club seems similar in style and character.

Often these arty places feel they need to be dirty and scummy to be 'vintage' and hip, particularly in East London, a ridiculous notion. The Book Club is clean and still full of creative flare, with inventive artwork on the expansive walls. The ground floor is huge with comfy seats, and a ping-pong table; downstairs there's a pool table, DJ booth and bar. Food is served all day, and the big breakfasts on the menu look particularly appetising. Delicious fresh juices like pear and raspberry also feature - my personal favourites.

I've heard The Book Club comes alive at night. Live music, art workshops and dance classes are all on offer. Often these nights are free entry, especially if you arrive before 9pm. I urge you to check it out!

www.wearetbc.com