The Imperial – 577 King’s Road, Fulham SW6
Previously a traditional pub, The Imperial has undergone a modern makeover and the result is a welcome offering of essentially British food with some Australian twists. The restaurant, at the back of the bar, is spacious and airy but the real find is their garden with several tables. Smokers rejoice! I thoroughly enjoyed the halloumi, tomato and avocado on sourdough followed by a small plate of salmon sashimi. Opened by the Eco Chic Restaurants team Alan Turtill, Kate MacWhirter and Tom Hope, as the chef. Go try it and give them some love – they deserve it.
Claude’s Kitchen: 51 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham SW6
Great atmosphere in this fun restaurant above the bar, Amuse Bouche. Small but inventive menu using seasonal ingredients. Chef is ex Petersham Nurseries and Club Gascon. About £70 for two including wine.
Garnier: 314 Earls Court Road, Earls Court SW5
French brasserie style restaurant from Garnier brothers – one of ex Racine fame and the other is current owner of Le Columbier. One of the best endive salads from the generally solid, traditional French menu. Unfortunately the lighting creates an austere atmosphere which limits the restaurant’s appeal but worth a visit for the food.
www.garnier-restaurant-london.co.uk/home
Cambio de Tercio: 163 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington SW5
The big daddy of Abel’s Spanish restaurant family has been a strong survivor on London’s food scene. Still one of my favourite haunts with their innovative cooking, I love the “ 8 hours roasted tomatoes”, and truly extensive Spanish wine list. Abel is high on customer service and has built up a loyal customer base. His other restaurants are less formal (read cheaper) and also enjoyable.
Ocean House: 117-119 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington SW7
Second restaurant from the amazing Yashin “no soy sushi” restaurant. Wish they had replicated the menu from their Kensington tiny space but Ocean House’s focus is on “head to tail” fish offerings with some sashimi. The food quality was high (as were the prices) but, as with most other large space restaurants, the atmosphere was flat. Let’s hope they try and introduce a more Yashin Kensington-style menu soon.
http://www.theoccasionalnut.co.uk
The Occasional Nut is the blog of Olga, a squirrel lady-about-town who seeks to discover the latest and greatest around London. From eateries and fine-dining to the latest films, plays and musicals. If it's public, she's there.
