Monday 20 January 2020

The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, South London


Grade II-listed, the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building was constructed in the mid-nineteenth century to educate the daughters of servicemen who died in the Crimean War. Today, it houses a mixture of flats, studios and workshops.

Winter on Wandsworth Common, South London


The view over Bellevue Field to Bellevue Road

Friday 17 January 2020

The River Café, Rainville Road, Hammersmith, West London







It can be tough to secure a table for the winter set lunch at this famous west London eatery. But, if you can, you get a chance to eat reasonably-priced Michelin-starred food from a restaurant that is an intrinsic part of London's culinary folklore - you have a choice of two courses for £28, three courses for £34 or four courses for £42.  The menu changes daily, but with four varied dishes for antipasti, four for primi and four for secondi, you will likely be spoilt for choice. Although the portions aren't that big, you'll get some tasty focaccia rolls upfront, meaning three courses should be sufficient. The hand-cut tagliatelli with Parma ham and cream makes for a mouthwatering primi. For a secondi, the slow-cooked pork with soft polenta is both succulent and full of flavour. The ice cream for desert is good enough, but not exceptional. To drink, the Pinot Bianco, 2018 Cantina Terlano, (£29 for a 500ml carafe) is clean and pleasant.