The Garrison- Bermondsey, London

99-101 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XB 

http://www.thegarrison.co.uk/

Getting  a clear vote (in my opinion) as the best restaurant on Bermondsey Street…The Garrison Public House is an absolute must. It’s the continuous variety that gives this gastropub such charm and appeal. From candles…to free hanging light-bulbs…to a chandelier of light-expelling tea cups…to low hanging vintage lampshades…the lighting is a theme in itself. Team this with an eclectic mismatch of tables and chairs, white-washed wooden walls and ornate points of interest in every corner, and you begin to get an idea of just how quirky and beautiful this interior is.
 
Variety continues with how this space is broken up- a row of elevated booths sit to the back of the restaurant, while a scatter of tables sit in the middle. There are a small number of stools to perch on beside the bar and high tables and chairs line the window sill at the front of the restaurant.
 
Enough ranting about the design, the food is worth a big mention too. Daily specials compliment an already very appealing menu. Expect rich, hearty meals like caremelised onion and gruyere tart,  smoked haddock kedgeree, Aberdeen lamb chops or confit duck leg. The mixed berries Eton mess and lemon meringue pie are reliable choices from the dessert menu.     

Also on offer here are lovely breakfast and afternoon tea menus and more unusually, a small cinema showing weekly screenings every Sunday.

 

Dolly's, Selridges- Oxford Street, London

400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB
Menu

Bypass the generic café chains on Oxford Street and head to the basement of Selfridges for a special coffee break. With its divine selection of cakes and pastries and impressive surroundings- shelves stacked with luxury products and never-ending overhead escalators- you’ll be tempted to sit for hours and watch the world rush by.

Workshop Coffee Co. - Clerkenwell, London

27 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5RN
 http://www.workshopcoffee.com/

Formally known as St. Ali, this lovely brunch spot epitomises what Saturday mornings should be all about…good food and delicious coffee in relaxed & stylish surroundings.

On the menu are the usual brunch suspects but with a twist; the corn fritters, baby spinach, grilled halloumi and kasundi (a spicy chutney) with poached eggs was delicious. On my next visit -which will be soon- I’ll be sampling the baked eggs, roast pepper, chorizo, saffron and feta dish. Fresh, home roasted coffee is a big emphasis here so remember to order your cappuccino or flat white.

Split over two floors, the exposed brick work and overhead piping give a rough edge to an overall very comfortable and homely space. The most unique element of the interior is the back wall on the ground floor covered from head to toe in lush greenery- this is a piece of art in itself.  

Elysée Roof Garden- Fitzrovia- London

13 Percy Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T IDP

http://www.elyseerestaurant.com/

Nestled among the beautiful terrace buildings of Fitzrovia is Greek Restaurant & Roof Garden, Elysée- perfect if you’re stuck in central London on a hot day and need somewhere secluded to relax and enjoy the sun. This charming, leafy, 700 square ft roof terrace has heaters and a retractable roof so that alfresco drinking and dining can always be enjoyed in London’s unpredictable weather. The drinks are reasonably priced and the terrace menu hosts a varied selection of small dishes such as deep fried calamari or spinach & feta filo pastries should you get peckish.

With its live jazz and 3.30am license six days a week, the restaurant is known to turn into a full blown party, table dancing and all…I must make a note to return for dinner ;)

Casa Morita- Brixton, London

9 Market Row, Brixton, London, SW9 8LB

http://www.casamorita.com/

Venture to Brixton Village to discover a hidden world of shops, market stalls and passageways… where café after café leave you terribly spoilt for choice.

Casa Morita is a small and relaxed restaurant serving up authentic Mexican food at really reasonable prices. Our £36 bill included two margaritas, two enchilada mains and two bottles of Modelo. This interesting space is an eclectic mix of exposed brickwork, stripped walls, an open kitchen and fuscia pink chairs.  Quirky touches like salt being served in mini Bonne Maman jam jars and a wall covered in different hanging ornaments add to its appeal.