Cafe culture Mediterranean style in Fulham Broadway-yes really!

Last weekend the weather finally turned and it seemed Summer was on its way. Following too much alcohol the night before and a lazy morning indoors it was time to brave the outside world and embark on the strenuous ten minute walk to Fulham Broadway in search of re-fuelling. We decided to avoid the typical gastro pub route and try out one of the deli’s that sit tucked behind the broadway on Vanston Place. As we meandered up the cobbled street we felt a sense of a romantic Mediterranean cafe culture in the air, bar the drunk football fans glugging pints of Fosters at 11am outside Brogans. We avoided the super busy Del Aziz and opted for a very cute Italian delicatessen opposite called Al Santo (I can’t find a website for it sadly- http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/al-santo-deli-london details the location and has some reviews).

We were greeted like old friends in true Italian style and given a sweet little table by the window to watch the world go by. A gentleman I presumed to be the owner of this authentic little establishment came over and asked us if we needed any recommendations, to which we gratefully accepted and proceeded to drool over his tales of a homemade pesto lasagne that he had prepared lovingly that morning. He recommended salads, bruschetta and even agreed to an ad hoc request for my starter, we were instantly smitten with his Italian charm and helpful attitude. The decor of this deli come restaurant genuinely makes you feel like you could be in grandmas kitchen in a farm house in Tuscany circa 1970- there are old black and white pictures in albums of families laughing and smiling dotted around and various terracotta ornaments.

I had an ice cold Peroni and felt my fuzzy head instantly slipping away, now was time for the carbs and lots of them. The homemade pesto lasagne was indulgent, rich, flavoursome and utterly delicious. We both went for the same following the glowing recommendation and were not disappointed-the portion was huge and every mouthful was cheesier than the last. The service was excellent and the final bill was not eye watering, especially compared to some of the deli’s in Chelsea that charge £10 for a small salad box. It was the perfect venue for a sunny Saturday afternoon in London (they also have outside tables) and we left full, fat and very happy.