Not only for those "Made in Chelsea"

The Phene pub has had ample publicity of late thanks to our favourite cringe-tastic guilty pleasure, Made In Chelsea. It was where Lucy, a.k.a the token ‘bitch’ showed Spencer, the token ‘player’, what he was missing with her new ‘date’. This secluded SW3 hotspot has been the backdrop for many a girlie squabble and for when the boys drink bloody Mary’s awkwardly discussing each other’s shared past conquests. 

However, if you weren't made in Chelsea and would rather gauge out your eyeballs than associate yourself with any of the cast members then don’t fear, this pub can still be a haven from the bustling Kings Road to enjoy a quiet pint, sans TV crew. 

I went last Sunday for lunch with my mum and having previously only seen the garden after dark, four gin and tonics down I was pleasantly surprised at how pretty it was. Minus the cigarette burns on some of the cushions the garden had a charming south of France vibe and was pleasantly peaceful and D-list celebrity free. The service was excellent and super attentive, meaning we could quickly relax and enjoy a well recommended bottle of French Rose in the sunshine. 

     

Lunch was good quality pub grub, perhaps a smidgen over-priced for what it was, but hey this is Chelsea, what do you expect right? Top marks for atmosphere and setting, B- for food and value for money but those Made in Chelsea hoorays are right, the Bloody Mary’s are bloody good yah. 

THE PHENE
9 PHENE STREET
LONDON SW3 5NY
T: 0207 352 9898

The Sands End Street Party is back!

If there is any street in Fulham that knows how to throw a street party it's Stephendale Road, thanks to the Sands End pub. I have been to two of their brilliant street parties over recent years and loved the heady combination of BBQ fumes and local live music on my doorstep. With the weather more akin to southern Spain than SW6 at the moment it's unsurprising they have another one in the pipeline for next week.

This year the Sands End Pub is hosting its annual street party on the 27th July, 2013, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm outside the pub on Stephendale Road.The Sands End Street Party will offer street food, pimms flowing bars, a music stage, retail stalls and children's entertainment. In support of Ray's Playhouse, the family friendly event will also include the popular entertainment duo, Sharky & George, as well as fun activities including face painting to rides. 

It's bound to be brilliant fun and one not to miss on the SW6 social calendar - you can read our review of the  2011 street party here too - http://southwestsix.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/stephendale-street-party.html 

Pappa & Prosecco

A good local Italian is imperative in these parts. Whether it's a summers eve and you want to while away an evening with friends and plenty of prosecco, or a cold Sunday evening in the depths of winter and only chili linguine will do. I came across a new find last week, and lucky for me it's very local and was a balmy summers eve, with plenty of the aforementioned prosecco. 

Pappas Ciccia, Munster Road is brilliant for many reasons, it's lively and rambunctious like a good local Italian should be, the food is lady and the tramp lovely and it's BYOB! Italian through and through, the service is informal and on the slippery border between amusing and over-familiar. Every table was buzzing with locals slurping red wine and devouring cheesy slices of crisp pizza.

Pappas Ciccia is the type of place where you arrive sober and stressed and leave feeling tipsy and carefree. With another branch an even closer two minute walk from my flat I can see this is going to fast become a firm Friday night staple. 

We are lucky to have a few great Italians in SW6, here is a round up of the best:

Best for food - Gola
Best for lots of laughs and lemon cello -Il Pagglacio 
Best for a hot date - L'antico
Best for dancing - Mare Moto
Best for f**k the diet - Made in Italy