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.

Viva Wandsworth Bridge Road

With a few new openings and sadly a few closures on Wandsworth Bridge Road we have decided to give you a run down of the BEST of the South West, a selection of places to eat, drink, be merry or be healthy on your doorstep. Without these places we would be surrounded by Tesco and Pizza Express so it is so worth showing them some support, despite the tough financial times. We are always looking for new places to try so if you think we have omitted a crucial must-see on this villagey road please let us know!

Il Pagliaccio

An old favourite sure to bring a smile to the grumpiest of faces-when you walk through those lurid red doors after a grey rainy day having crawled through traffic on a smelly 22 bus, there is no question that you will leave with a big smile on your face :)

The staff are hilarious, whether it's your first or 100th visit you are treated like an old friend, promptly offered a drink and some delicious oven baked garlic bed. The menu is diverse, offering authentic and tasty Italian dishes- the parma ham chilli pizza is seriously warming after a cold day.

Karma Wellbeing

This is a real SW6 secret, tucked away high above the hubbub in a sweet little treatment room on the top floor of Karma’s Wandsworth Bridge Road practice, Jess and I sampled a full body massage as well as an Ayurvedic leg and foot massage known as Kansa Vatki. Both were incredibly relaxing and for those of you who take an interest, Ellie has both a fascinating story and a vast amount of knowledge about the different treatment philosophies she practices.

 

If you’d like to sample some of Ellie’s holistic magic for yourself, we’ve teamed up with Karma Wellbeing to offer SouthWestSix readers 50% off a Swedish Massage treatment (usually £50) at their Wandsworth Bridge Road treatment rooms. All you need to do is contact them at wellbeing@karmadentalcare.co.uk and quote ‘SouthWestSix’ when you make your booking. The offer is valid until March 20th 2012 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Boma

Boma, meaning ‘a safe enclosure’ is a much loved local restaurant come bar on Wandsworth Bridge Road. It offers a fantastic breakfast/brunch as well as a sophisticated but laid back dinner atmosphere.

Boma by night is an ideal date spot, when we visited the room was filled with couples enjoying the relaxed candlelit atmosphere and the back room in particular is very private. The jovial atmosphere also lends itself well to birthday parties, striking the balance between special occasion yet let your hair down a group birthday dinner would undoubtedly revel in this safe enclosure.The cocktails are well worth checking out too. 

Thaiphoon

The latest opening on Wandsworth Bridge Road; the very cool and contemporary ‘ThaiPhoon’. Launched by a charming couple, Max and Pye, this Thai restaurant is part of a new generation of Asian dining. Gone is the cat strangling pan piped soundtrack, the bladder bursting water feature and the fogged up fish tank- Max and Pye have kept it simple, combining exotic Asian colours and prints with minimalist warehouse chic furniture.

The delicious food was the perfect combination of spicy and sweet, the thai flavours were warming and satisfying and we felt very full, fat and happy. Max and Pye have done a great job with the decor, service, menu and branding of this place- it’s unique yet authentic and fun yet delicious.

The Greedy Buddha

This fab restaurant has great reviews and a fantastic location on Wandsworth Bridge Road, with an outdoor bamboo covered garden at the front! (Love anything novelty). The staff are as charming as they are authentic and you will always receive a warm welcome.

The Greedy Buddha converted me to Nepalese food- I could eat variations of their menu for weeks happily, although one dinner left us both feeling like very greedy buddhas, it's worth having a small lunch before you visit!

Beauty run down

As a self confessed beauty addict here are my top tips for the girls seeking hair beauty and all things pampering on Wandsworth Bridge Road

NAILS-- Totally Tips and Toes

They are the best of the bunch, cheap, speedy and efficient with a good selection of polishes and massage chairs, this is the best spot for a mani/pedi. 

WAXING-- SoThai Spa

This is one of the most luxurious waxing experiences in SW6 which won't break the bank. Proper treatment rooms with skilled and friendly staff, So Thai Spa strikes the perfect balance between grotty cheap as chips and super expensive 'Strip' style- a very happy medium! 

HAIR- Era Hair and Beauty 

Owned by a delightful woman, this hair salon is truly fantastic. Great care is taken into getting to know you and what it is you really want- personalized service is key here. There is no Headmasters style production line and you receive all the pampering touches including a heavenly head massage. They also do a great blow dry. 

Casual Dining at The Butcher's Hook

One thing Fulham is certainly not short of is decent pub dining, and Sarah and I are lucky enough to have sampled from quite a lot of it over the past year or so. However, last Friday was the first time I'd tried out The Butcher's Hook, which sits in a prominent position on the Fulham Road near to Stamford Bridge and Fulham Broadway.

Inside, the décor is a blend of contemporary modern and farmhouse chic, retaining a low key but upmarket gastro-pub ambience. There's plenty of atmospheric lighting, exposed brickwork, brass kitchenware displays and sleek varnished oak woodwork. There was a real mix of locals in there, from the old guys catching up over an ale to whole family groups and gaggles of girl friends, which helps it retain a welcoming, local feel.

The emphasis is firmly on casual dining, and whilst you can get all the pub staples like roast chicken, salmon and new potatoes and steak and chips, many of the dishes have an interesting twist and the starter menu in particular is quite inventive. I tried the pig trotter croquettes with tomato chutney and the spicy chick pea and vegetable fritters with tzatziki, and the croquettes in particular were fantastic. They had an intense smokey flavour and plenty of texture, and the sharpness of the chutney set it off perfectly.The boy sampled the steak and chips, which was a perfectly decent reprisal of the classic pub dish, although the meat was a bit more brown than the requested pink. Drinks are the standard fare but with none of the silly gastro-pub pricing you might expect - so again, this place is perfect for a casual mid-week catch up.

The prices are very reasonable, especially for the area, and there is a really warm, friendly yet quietly elegant atmosphere in there. My only slightly criticism would be that perhaps the service was a little too casual. It took the team quite a long time to take our order, and we saw a few wrong dishes going out to the tables neighbouring us. However, there was absolutely no attitude and the staff were quick and keen to rectify any mistakes made. Overall, I'd recommend the Butcher's Hook for it's local yet modern atmosphere, decent pricing and unfussy experience. It's great for a cheap and easy mid-week dinner with friends whilst maintaining much more ambience than many of the other chain options who might compete for spend in the casual dining sector. Definitely worth checking out!

The Butcher's Hook
477 Fulham Road
London SW6 1HL
http://www.thebutchershook.co.uk/