Tom’s Kitchen, Chelsea

Tom’s Kitchen
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27 Cale Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 3QP
Tel 0207 349 0202

Having visited Tom Aiken’s upmarket version of this brunch spot the week before (situated just around the corner and called Tom Aikens) I had very high expectations of this Chelsea haunt and was slightly nervous that I would, once again, need to be rolled down the Kings Road after overeating. But although the brunch menu was good, I wouldn’t call it the fantastic gourmet experience I’d had in his restaurant. But I guess you can’t complain when you compare the bills!

We all enjoyed our meals, however, because we were such a large group (Gemma’s and Monica’s last ever BBC in London drew in the crowds to wish them a teary farewell!) we were only able to order from a limited selection of the menu. So we did look in envy at some smaller groups’ meals.

Although I enjoyed my homemade granola, I did find it a bit too sweet for my liking. But my poached pears in syrup were delectable! What I did like about the menu was the fact that you could mix and match smaller items – each costing a reasonable £2 - £4. Sal had the chocolatey brioche toast, which looked divine, while some of the hungrier members of the group dove into the full English breakfasts.

The atmosphere is clean, crisp and casual and the staff were very helpful and polite. I think one of the biggest selling points, and one of the reasons I’ve been back since, is the fact that Tom’s Kitchen prides itself on serving organic, ethically sourced and in-season fresh produce – and I think you can taste the difference. Definitely worth a visit, but maybe in a smaller group.

Notting Hill Brasserie, Notting Hill

Notting Hill Brasserie
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92 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 2PN
Tel: 0207 229 4481

A perfect combination of traditional Sunday roast AND jazz! The Notting Hill Brasserie is an extremely classy establishment with polished service, hearty fare and an extensive wine list, perfect for a Sunday lunchtime tipple.

The restaurant is set in a beautiful terraced house and if you didn’t know about it you could easily walk on by. It is best visited when the weather is cold and rainy (ok, that doesn’t really narrow it down in London) as the inside setting is warm, cosy and inviting.

You can choose from a set menu of either 2 or 3 courses for £25 or £30 respectively. If roast isn’t your thing, there are plenty of fish and veggie options. My baked halibut was great and and apparently the roasts were pretty good too. Everyone raved about the golden roast potatoes cooked in goose fat. I was full after 2 courses but managed to fit in a third… as did all the others.

Afterwards, we visited the Book Warehouse to pick up some bargain basement books.

The Dove, Hammersmith

The Dove
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19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA
Tel: 020 8748 9474

The Dove has all of the essential ingredients for a quaint riverside pub - bella vistas, hearty fare and a wide variety of ice cold beers on tap. But what I like most is its Guinness Book Of Records claim to fame - it is officially the smallest bar in Britain at a cosy 1.27m x 2.39m!

Established in the 17th century, the Dove has long been a haunt of celeb guests, including Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway and A.P. Herbert (making it the perfect place to review these authors perhaps?!).

We visited on a slightly chilly day and so sat inside by the roaring log fire. There also happens to be a conservatory area and a patio by the river where you can relax on more summery days. The Dove is also a great spot to view the famous annual University Boat Race between Cambridge and Oxford.

The menu was extensive but we couldn't go past the traditional Sunday roasts that had all the trimmings including Yorkshire Pud. The servings were extremely generous and easily washed down with a couple of jugs of English Pimms.