Young British Designers

Monday 27 February 2012

Review: Hereford Road, Bayswater W2

We went out last week for our anniversary, and decided to avoid the crowds of the West End and do something a little more local.  So with the power of Google and not very creative search terms, I found Hereford Road (on Hereford Road, Bayswater).  We wanted British, organic, local food - and boy did we get it!


Smuggled away in Bayswater, this restaurant was opened in 2007 by Tom Pemberton (previously head chef at St John Bread and Wine) with an aim of creating a little local with a big, bold British menu.  With dishes varying from steak and kidney pie to a wood pigeon, you really do get that vibe.  Walk down the quiet street and Hereford Road kind of stumbles upon you - the open kitchen at the front is rather exciting (you really can see your food cooked before you eyes), and the 2 seater booths in the bar area are probably the best seats in the house for couples.  At the back is a larger dining area that I would guess seats around 50?  Oh, and the waiters were just lovely.


I chose the squash soup with pancetta and chestnuts which was amazing, and my other half went for a pate with grilled ciabatta (I think following on from our trip to Dinner by Heston, he's taking any opportunity to eat pate!).  Both were lovely, decent size without filling you up too much - which was a bl**dy good thing as we decided to share the whole seabass with a side of fresh greens.  It comes with a head, tail and all the bones - but after a fairly feeble attempt at making it edible, our waiter kindly stepped in and made it look easy.  The fish was incredible, how on earth they made it that tasty I have no idea - and it tasted so, so fresh. 


After a little break from eating we decided to tackle the dessert menu, and ordering was quite a task! You name the home-cooked favourites, they were all there.  I went for the apple crumble and custard, and He went for the plate of British cheese.  Both were amazing - the custard was just right, and the portions were enough to allow us to get home without busting at the seams. Also, cannot forget to mention their very good wine list and British beet range - as my other half is a Yorkshire man he knows his bitters, and Hereford Road apparently had the best.  The restaurant was buzzing by 8pm, and they were turning away business later on in the evening so do remember to book ahead. Overall, we had an amazing dinner here and it was lovely to part with money for a local business rather than a chain - without the massive price tag.  I would definitely recommend this to friends, and to you all!

Style: 7
Service: 10
Pricing: 10
Taste: 9
Fun Factor: 8
Total: 44/50

Book here: Hereford Road, 3 Hereford Road, Bayswater, W2 4AB

South Molton St Starving
xoxo

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