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ASK THE EXPERT: LONDON DONE PROPERLY
by cityam
56 West Smithfield Bar & Shop Wine sommelier Katherine Brook on the best places to eat in the capital
ELLIOTS
Elliot’s has been my go-to ever since I stumbled across it a few years ago. The small natural wine bar and restaurant is tucked away in Borough Market. Alongside its great selection of wine, there’s an ever-changing menu created using many of the Market’s seasonal produce. It’s all about delicious food, made to be shared and washed down with some delicious wine.
JOLENE tI like a menu that fits on a chalkboard. This chic urban bakery and restaurant first caught people’s attention with its amazing bakes, from breads and pastries to delicate patisserie. If you go for a mid morning croissant – which you should – I highly recommend staying for lunch too. Grab a few small plates and tuck-in. For the quality of the ingredients, unique flavours and presentation, it’s incredible value for money at Jolene.
t 56 WEST SMITHFIELD
Call me biassed, but 56WS really has got it right when it comes to wine bars. Owned by a family of winemakers from the South of France, it’s cosy yet sophisticated but without any of the snobby wine stuff. There’s a relaxing lounge that will take you captive for hours, as you share stories with friends and drink your way through the ever expanding wine list - probably alongside some cheese & charcuterie. And the bar is a great place for people watching or speaking to the friendly staff. Even better, it’s only £5 corkage on our take away prices and most of it is organic. You should join me for a wine tasting some time - check our website for dates.
I judge a restaurant on the quality of its bread. To me, it’s a non-negotiable first course. I want thick slices (preferably sourdough), served with overly salty butter. Rochelle Canteen does bread exceptionally well. But it also has some of the best dishes in London, with a seasonal and daily changing menu, celebrating classic and modern European flavours.
tGROVE LANE DELI
Sometimes you just want a sandwich. GLD will get your mouth watering from the moment you open the Instagram feed, where they share their sandwiches of the week. The coffee is also very decent, and I’m a sucker for a cinnamon bun.
