the salt & pepper diaries

Feeling a little sheepish posting this - the first post since September 2008 and it’s a cheap sign-post to someone else’s work - Time Out’s.

However, this is the Time Out London Top 50 - an annual feature which should set you up for the year.

The tip is to book ahead and then forget about the reservations. When they come around, (a) it’s a nice surprise and (b) you have a table at a month-long waiting list restaurant. Reserve for four to get max benefit.

The list is split as follows:

Indian
Oriental
Italian
Cheap eats
British
Vegetarian
Gastropubs
Best service
Best to impress
Best for grazing

Enjoy!

This week January 2 - January 8 2008

• 1 The Landau - Only for those with fat wallets.
• 2 Sake No Hana - Top end / notch Japanese from Alan Yau.
• 3 Cake Boy - Battersea patisserie that deserves an award simply for the name.
• 4 Tom Ilic - another Battersea spot to visit.
• 5 Le Cafe Anglais - Matthew Norman awarded 9.5/10 for Rowley Leigh’s new place in Whiteleys.

Thanks to the TO team.

This week December 19 - January 1 2008

• 1 The Gun - Winner of Times Out’s Best Gastro Pub 2005.
• 2 Busaba Eathai - Thai for non-alcoholics.
• 3 Little Bay - Cheap and Duck Fat chips on offer.
• 4 The White Horse - or Sloany Pony to most.
• 5 Dragon Castle - Cantonese on Elephant & Castle.

Thanks and Happy New Year to the TO team.

This week November 21 - 27

• 1 Northbank - The West country comes to town.
• 2 Harrison’s - New Balham brasserie.
• 3 Tate Modern, Level 7 - Modern art, on your plate.
• 4 Mary Jane’s - New city bar.
• 5 The Berkeley - Forget the Ritz for afternoon tea.

Thanks to the TO team.

This week November 14 - 20 

• 1 Electric Bird Cage - Cocktails and DimSum in the Haymarket
• 2 Hibiscus - French cooking in Mayfair
• 3 The Perry Hill - A Catford Harvester that does good food!
• 4 The Tea Box - Be seen in Richmond with a cuppa and cake
• 5 The Devonshire - Ramsay’s new boozer.

Thanks to the TO team.