#localblend

Following on from my Top 10 2013 Bars & Pubs post, here are the venue's of my most memorable meals from last year.

Home (in no particular order):

Shane's on Chatsworth. This small local restaurant in Homerton dishes out wonderful food, all seasonal ingredients locally sourced. I had pheasant which was perfectly cooked, rare to find even in the best of restaurants. The wine list was surprisingly cheap without lacking in quality. I'll definitely be returning. ££

The Counter at The Delaunay. Whilst rambling down Drury Lane fulfilling my first London Ephemeris Challenge I discovered that The Delaunay, famed sister restaurant of The Wolseley, had a very affordable cafe next to it's Aldwych entrance. One tasty hot dog, endless pot's of tea and an unforgettable cheesecake later and I was in love. £

Cafe Blend, Harringay.  My favourite local cafe for weekend brunch has now started opening in the evenings for cocktails. Very civilised. £

The Old Brewery Restaurant at Meantime Brewery, Greenwich. Ale tasting paddles and marvellous British food in one of London's best breweries. Don't expect a homely pub, this is sophisticated but relaxed dining in a modernised Victorian brewery hall. ££

Benugo Bar and Kitchen at the BFI, Southbank. The best handmade gnocchi I've ever had. I'm not kidding. Followed by beautiful passion fruit sorbet and accompanied by a fine Semillon. The only downside is that you might have to catch a film afterwards to assist with the food coma. ££

Cafe Moka, Harringay. Small but perfectly formed local cafe for relaxed weekend lunches. Excellent quiche's and salad's. £

Mele e Pere, Brewer Street, W1. Perfect place for lunch with friends; great Italian food, friendly and fast service and a buzzy atmosphere. ££

Notes, St Martins Lane, WC2. My number one stop off for good red wine and a large slab of chocolate brownie after a hard day of shopping in Covent Garden. I have yet to make one of their live jazz nights but I hear they are definitely worth the visit. £

Away:

Restaurant El Diablo, Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote. A  restaurant that cooks your food on a grill over a live volcano. What's not to love? Stick to the local fish and salad for a genuine, tasty and fresh Canarian treat. This tourist restaurant has magnificent panoramic views across the fascinating and arrid landscape of Timanfaya, an area pocked with volcanoes. ££