Electric Diner

The other Saturday we took a special trip out west for a late lunch at the Electric Diner.

It was my first time, can you believe, that i have ventured to Portobello Road - you can say that i am well and truly a Portobello virgin.

We wandered through the crowds and up the market stall-lined street to reach our destination. On route we met our friend Ant for a caffeine fix at the Coffee Plant, in the heart of Portobello Road market.

Both organic and fair trade, the Coffee Plant roasts its own coffee and is has people flocking to it from all over due to the cult popularity of the movie Notting Hill. The choice of music however was questionable!

By now our stomachs were rumbling and it was time to move onto the Electric Diner.

The diner itself is next door to the Electric Cinema, one of London's oldest cinemas.

Photo courtesy of www.electricdiner.com 

To be honest, having heard so much about the Electric Diner we weren't too hopeful about getting a table... but today was our lucky day!!

Electric Diner opens early for breakfast before switching to an all day menu from midday - you can still get your full english at any time of the day! hurray!!

Naturally, i went for the burger having heard great things. A succulent beef patty with a glossy, fluffy bun, oozing with cheese, slaw and a 'fat wedge' of bacon (which was more like a slice of gammon. Served with my favourite...pickle gherkin and french fries.

Take a look at this bad boy!!

Adam took the plunge and had the shaved rib of beef sandwich with smoke monterey jack, fries, horseradish creme and gravy for dipping (as a northerner, this was bliss!)

We got a side of roasted broccoli to share.

Ant, wanting to get his protein fix, plucked for the eggs - poached on toast

Although we were all completely stuffed, there is always room for dessert. The Electric Diner is renowned for its donuts. We couldn't come all this way and not have one...or 3!!

...washed down with another cup of coffee!

Electric Diner is perfect for brunch or a late lunch. I'm not sure on the vibe in the evening but i'm sure it's just as buzzy. They have a good selection of beers, wine and cocktails - something for everyone ... did i mention the donuts?!

A couple of days later, David and Victoria Beckham had been for lunch to celebrate their son's birthday... if its good enough for them!!!!

Electric Diner

191 Portobello Road

London 

W11 2ED

www.electricdiner.com

City Break: Zagreb

With no sign of the bitterly cold weather giving up, not to mention delayed trains, de-icing the car, choosing the appropriate attire/footwear to wear to work and what seems like an eternity to pay day - it's time for a nice short, sharp city break ... to Zagreb, in Croatia. 

Winter for me is all about the city break - aimlessly wandering around the busy streets wrapped up in your coat, scarf and boots, nipping in and out of coffee shops, bakeries and bars. 

Zagreb became the capital of Croatia after the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991 and has since become a global and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and culture. Numerous museums and art galleries line the streets. Glamourous Croatian women strut down the pavements in their well-heeled boots with their oversized sunglasses and handbags. Market stalls overflowing with fresh local produce...yum!

You cant go wrong with a hot sausage!

Gloves by Karen Millen, scarf - McQueen, coat from Esprit, Sunglasses by Rayban

The cakes were insane - insanely cheap and insanely delicious. Totally spoilt for choice...

I opted for this chestnut beauty

and not one overweight Croatian in sight!!!

After some more walking it was time for a light refreshment.

The Croatians sure know how to make a cracking beer!

This bar was decked out like an old train carriage.

Necklace from Aldo, top - H&M, blazer from Whistles

Making the most of the free wifi.

... and copious amounts of Pelinkovac - a traditional Croatian bitter liqueur based on wormwood (tastes a bit like Jagermeister) my new favourite drink. 

The final night we went to Black Rock, a steak restaurant where you are served a raw fillet steak on a sizzling hot slab so you can cook it as you like it - totally entertaining and not to mention delicious!!

It was my birthday whilst we was there, so to celebrate we went to a Bosnian restaurant for Cevapi, a sort of Bosnian kebab. The bread is soaked in meat juices and stuffed with meat, chips and salad - filth!! 

... all washed down with a turkish coffee.

If you're looking for a very inexpensive getaway then Zagreb is the place to go. We're hoping to go back in the summer so expect a sequel

Quality Chop House

Every now and then pops up a new(ish)restaurant that goes straight to the top of our hit-list. After reading the rave reviews about the Quality Chop House on Farringdon Road it was time to pay a visit.

We wander through the door into the informal bar area. First impressions, love the old dark wood decor, white walls, kooky bottled vases and plates that you would find in a car boot sale but it kinda works!! 

We take a seat in the dining area with it's intimate dark wooden pews, bulbous lighting and not to mention a great view of the kitchen.

Chalkboard menus adorn the walls with tempting offerings of mouthwatering dishes and a great selection of wines.

Decisions, decisions...Bread is always a good starting point for me (with proper butter)

Nice plates, eh?

Starters: Haggis scotch eggs and monkfish bisque with olive tapanade.

The main was a beast and what Quality Chop House is all about: Lamb chop, mash, kale, gravy - served with a glass of red - no frills! 

Delicious!!

Time for pud?!?!

Rhubarb eton mess (the meringue was perfection - crisp, yet chewy and sweet - perfectly balanced with the silky cream and sharpness of the rhubarb). Rhubarb and apple crumble with custard, again - sweet, sour, crumbly, creamy, warming... i could go on!!

It was so difficult to decide what to have coz i could have eaten pretty much everything. Luckily, the menu isn't very large and if you are in a couple or with a small group i would recommend you get lots of things to share - that way you dont miss out! 

...but then it gives you a good excuse to go back :0)

Quality Chop House

92-94 Farringdon Road

London

EC1R 3EA

Tel: 020 7278 1452