The Cock Tavern: not a cock-up in sight

                                         

You only have to look at The Cock Tavern’s website to see that it's no ordinary pub. Despite being part of the UK boozer empire that is Young’s, the affiliation ends at the purple and white candy striped awning outside. Stepping into this nondescript North End Road establishment is like stepping back in time, to the swinging 60’s and rocking 80's. The whole pub has an Austin Powers meets 80's New York warehouse vibe with psychedelic carpets, colourful art work and an array of kitsch accessories. A collection of antique mirrors adorn the ceiling and seating is a mish-mash of groovy sofas and lurid cushions. You know Jess and I are partial to a theme, so you can imagine my excitement upon discovering the refurbishment of this once slightly grotty pub. 

                                           

I took my two friends from the north, a London exploring Middlesbrough lass and a glamourpuss Geordie here for Sunday lunch and we loved it. My Bloody Mary was made with care and consideration and was deliciously spicy and sharp. The glamourpuss Geordie, a Bloody Mary virgin, was so tempted by mine that she ordered one too and we were soon enjoying the laid back atmosphere. 

         

We started with some spicy squid to share and were very impressed by the generous portion size and crispy deliciousness of the squid. To follow I had the fish pie with steamed cabbage which was DELICIOUS. There was lots of fish, none of this all potato nonsense and it had such a creamy sauce I thought I had died and gone to comfort food heaven. The Middlesbrough lass had the veggie option which was a pie of sorts, but came with gravy and roast veg- she said she thought new potatoes or mash might have suited the dish better but thought it was delicious all the same. The Geordie opted for the traditional beef roast and said it was excellent, especially complemented with a side of cauliflower cheese! 

       

The combination of retro decor and retro comfort food was a winner and our plates were scraped clean just in time to leave before a hoard of Chelsea supporters piled in. Reasonably priced and very laid back this pub is one I will definitely visit again, perhaps after a well earned gym session next time though.

Cock Tavern, 360 North End Road, Fulham, London, SW6 1LY | 020 7385 6021 

Classic Elegance at the Brompton Bar and Grill

I'm not usually one to knock themed restaurants, nor an interesting concept, nor a restaurant experience that comes a little out of left field, but sometimes the classic way is just the best way. Elegant surroundings, recognisable but sophisticated dishes done seriously well, white tablecloths and impeccable, discreet service. All these things may be 'unoriginal' but it's a winning formula that many bastions of the restaurant world rely on, and that the punter knows they can trust. In Knightsbridge particularly, you get one of two things: seriously bling, or old-world refinement. The Brompton Bar & Grill is a sterling example of the latter. It reminded Sarah and I slightly of a chic Paris brasserie, with the simple illustrated pictures adorning the back wall, a classic dark wooden bar dominating the front one, crisp white tablecloths and a menu full of European contemporary favourites, which when they arrived, were cooked to perfection.

After some pretty superb cocktails from a well edited menu of old classics and contemporary twists (the Gin Aperol Spritz was a stand out) we kicked off the culinary proceedings with the dressed dorset crab on crispy brown toast with lemon, and the mushroom ravioli. The crab was beautifully smooth and fresh, and the raviolo a great mix of earthiness and well managed textures. Thumbs up for both, particularly the crab, which was simply a top quality rendition of one of my favourite classic dishes.

 

We followed up with a classic dover sole (which was done exquisitely, the texture just right and the sauce nicely tangy) with creamed spinach and handcut chips, as well as a wonderful confit of duck with lentils, bacon and shallots which was wonderfully rich in different wintry flavours and textures.

Finishing up, we couldn't resist the chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream (my favourite!) as well as the rhubarb crumble with vanilla crumble, which was also excellent, with the crumble topping being slightly crunchy - just as I like it.

Washed down with a fantastic bottle of the house white, this was an evening full of delicious European favourites, all of fantastic quality, with old world service in an elegant locale. I would heartily recommend it.

Brompton Bar & Grill
243 Brompton Road
London SW3 2EP

For bookings call: 0207 589 8005

Dates for the diary: March 2012

Despite your very best New Year's resolutions and Lent intentions, it's very easy to get stuck in a rut. Same old routine, same old places and activities. With that in mind, here's our run-down on some up and coming West London events to keep your diaries full, your social lives interesting and best of all to support local independent businesses.



Mania Mia Spring Designer Event - 11th March, 9am - 5pm
Ushering in the Spring/Summer season of 2012, the Mania Mia ladies Katya and Anoosh are hosting an exclusive event with several independent designers in store, along with a tea reception, cupcakes and an arts and crafts workshop for the little ones. From leather jewellery to eco homeware products and vintage clothing, Mania Mia looks to have next season all wrapped up. So shop guilt free - after all you are supporting the local economy and the kids are with safe hands.
For more details of the event, see Mania Mia's Facebook page here
Mania Mia, 307 New Kings Road, Fulham SW6 4RF.



Redistributing Fashion Spring Charity Pop Up Sale, 16th March, 10am - 8pm
There seems to be loads on locally for the budding fashionista at the moment. Next Friday's event on Westbourne Grove offers guilt free bargains as all profits are in aid of The Rugby Portobello Trust, a youth education and development charity based in Notting Hill. Local fashion, jewellery and lifestyle brands will be selling pieces at discounted prices and best of all, there is a huge selection of pre-loved designer pieces (including some donated by celebrities such as Poppy Delevigne and Princess Marie-Chantal amongst others) available via Chic & Seek. Founded in 2009, Chic & Seek offers a carefully selected range of pre-owned women's accessories with brands including Chanel, Burberry, Alexander McQueen and many others, all on sale with 50-80% off the retail price.
For more details see here.
Redistributing Fashion, 20th Century Theatre, Westbourne Grove, London W11 2QA

Kristyna Myles at the Regal Room, 22nd March, 7:30pm
If you're a music buff and are interested in discovering the next big thing on the scene, a trip to the Regal Room in Hammersmith is a must. Kristyna played The Regal Room when she was first starting out, and now returns for a gig ahead of the release of her debut album 'Pinch Me Quick', produced by Ken Nelson (also responsible for the success of Coldplay and Paolo Nutini - not bad!). Kristyna has already shared the stage with musical giants such as Chris de Burgh and Mick Hucknall so is surely one to watch ahead of her album release - after all, it's always nice to smugly tell your friends you saw an artist play before they hit the big time! Kristyna will also be sharing the stage with local artists Raphaella and Stewart Mac, the latter of which is fresh from supporting Bon Jovi on tour.
The Regal Room, 64 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith W6 9PH



supperclub presents Aldo Zilli, 23rd March, evening
Many of you may already have heard of supperclub. Now a bit of institution, an evening supper offers fine dining, plenty of drinking, dancing and general debauchery. Yet, the supperclub event in a few weekends time is that extra little bit special, as top Italian chef Aldo Zilli will be hitting the kitchens. 4 courses of the best Italian cooking, plus a long night's partying in a stunning venue will set you back £59 and diners can expect dancers, singers, musicans and acrobats before the legendary Simon Dunmore of Defected Records hits the decks until the small hours.
You'll need to reserve your 'bed' by emailing london@supperclub.com. For a mouth-watering intro to the cooking of Aldo Zilli check out his website here.