Guest Blogging: Signature Scent
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Jessica from Signature Scent asked me to guest blog for each other. I have written about my favorite perfume on her site and she did a brilliant job with writing up a food guide for Northcote Road.
Delis
Al Gusto
This is a charming corner deli in a great people-watching spot. Perfect for a quick lunch, a sandwich or a cake in the afternoon. The sunny location means that the outdoor seating area is always packed in the summer months.
Local treasure, Manuel, knows all the locals and greets everybody with a welcoming smile. The fun atmosphere and cute combination of greasy spoon and Italian deli means that this patisserie is packed out day after day. The toasted mozzarella ciabattas alone are worth the visit – you won’t need to eat again for a week.
La Dolce Vita
Dolce Vita opened in December 2009 – so has yet to create a loyal following. There are a couple of tables to eat the promising deli food in house. Lots of treats to choose from and some great Italian pasta and other authentic produce.
Gastro Pubs
Buzzing atmosphere ensures that the Bolingbroke is busy seven nights a week. The sophisticated decor and outstanding service make this a solid place for evening drinking and good food. More of a thirty something crowd than other places along Northcote Road.
One of a small group of local pubs, in a location that was previously occupied by the Pitcher and Piano. The new vibe is much more promising and the menu looks great.
Tea
Originally established in North London, Gail’s is a luscious bakery with loads of great deli bites and sweet treats. The seating space at the back always has proper tunes playing: more of a hip London vibe than anywhere else locally.
Brew
Successful cafe in a very small location means that they have had to make the most of their space. Blankets and outdoor heaters out front so that the outdoor seats are usually fully occupied even on the coldest day. If you want to stay away from the nappy crowd, then Brew is your place. Great menu includes fantastic scrambled eggs and a great selection of salads at the counter.
Directly opposite Brew, Crumpet is catering to the family market. Kids’ menu, kids’ portions and baby friendly facilities are amongst Crumpet’s main features. The staff are generally friendly and accommodating, although they can seem a bit frazzled at the busiest times.
TAMRA has recently taken over from what was a family institution, Boiled Egg and Soldiers. The vivid orange exterior doesn’t exactly welcome you the morning after the night before. But, great for breakfasts or a deli style lunch.
Steak
La Pampa Grill
Argentinian steakhouse. Great local steak place. If this one is busy, there’s a second La Pampa on Battersea Rise.
Recent addition to Northcote Road, great for steaks and ribs. Small restaurant, perhaps a bit lacking in atmosphere, not helped by the theme park fibreglass bull parked outside. Local opinion is that the steaks at La Pampa are better.
Italian & Spanish
Buona Sera
Buona Sera is one of those places that you go for birthday parties or big group lunches. It’s a rowdy, raucous pizza place. Lots of fun and the staff are super friendly. Best dish is the paella.
A stylish, modern take on tapas in an equally stylish setting. The deli counter sells Spanish specialities to take away on Saturdays. Outside seating area is perfect for summer evenings to bask in the sunshine and watch the passer-by.
Numero Uno
This local institution is a family-run restaurant; great for gourmet Italian food. Pizza doesn’t feature on the menu. If you feel like bresaola, or some lobster, this is the place. Friendly, Italian waiting staff will make you feel like you are the best customer they’ve ever had.
This was reviewed by the Sneaky Magpie herself a week or two ago.
Salumeria Napoli
Authentic Italian deli. Great seasonal produce as well as regular favourites. If you get a craving for Panetone, this is the place to buy it.
Tapas Variadas
The owner, who looks more like she’s from Hawaii than Spain, can be great fun or not. But don’t be put off by the odd scowl, the food is worth it. Lunchtime seafood paella for two is fantastic value for money. And make sure that you have a good look at the taps cabinet inside – some great food.
An Italian in a great corner location.
Thank you Jess, I will be trying a lot of those places soon!
