Category: London

Copper and Ink – an English Gem and a Journey to Remember

There’s so much of the world to see and share that I often forget to tell you about the gems in my own incredible home city. London is most definitely home, and it’s a city that sprawls, so few travellers make it to some of the best bits (in my humble opinion) that require just a bit more exploration.

Copper and Ink is a restaurant in the stunning once-village of Blackheath. If you’re a foodie traveller and want to see some ‘real England’ on a trip to London, then I couldn’t recommend a visit to Blackheath, and this establishment, more. Whilst definitely being part of the London sprawl, Blackheath manages to maintain that village feel, and has numerous lovely pubs in which to enjoy a great British pint.

A view into Blackheath village, including the fabulous Hare & Billet pub

If you’re up for making your journey to Blackheath a real adventure, then a Thames Clipper trip from Westminster Pier to Greenwich will show you numerous of the best sites in town (think Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The Shard etc.) before depositing you for a glorious walk alongside the Cutty Sark, up through Greenwich Park (best view in the city), past the Royal Observatory, and straight to the famous heath itself. If I could only do one thing on a visit to London then this journey would be it for me.

A Thames Clipper cruising the river close to Greenwich
The view from Greenwich Park

Copper and Ink itself is the establishment of flamboyant former-Masterchef contestant Tony Rodd and his partner, Becky. What they have created is a restaurant delivering the high-end, quality food you’d find at some of London’s more famous institutions, but in a relaxed neighbourhood setting. Not only are the food, wine and service divine, but the prices are far more reasonable than those you’d find an an equivalent restaurant in the heart of the city.

The seasonal, monthly-changing tasting menu and accompanying wine flight are really not to be missed. At just £70 for both at the time of writing, this is serious quality for the price. The five courses are creative and use locally sourced ingredients from independent suppliers, the wines provide a wonderful complement to the food, and if you’re fortunate enough to be seated downstairs then you can also enjoy the theatre of the open kitchen.

Potato ragu, braised leaks, crispy potato strings, crème fraiche and winter truffle
Espresso panna cotta, coffee & chocolate sponge, and dulche de leche ice-cream

All of this splendour is a 20 minute direct-train journey away from Central London (just use your Oyster or contactless card) when you’re ready for a quick journey to bed with your full stomach and happy heart.

London is so much more than the standard tourist trail so do get out and see the glory of what some of us are fortunate enough to call home. And if this is home for you, then make sure Copper and Ink is on your to-visit list.

A Taste of Holiday

Vietnam and Thailand feel like a distant memory but it’s amazing how food can take you back. After a long, sunny (but freezing cold) bike ride around London, we popped out of a street right opposite a Vietnamese restaurant that my companion had been wanting to try for an age. The idea of noodle soup warming our cold bodies was just too much to resist!

Deptford is a part of London on the up, and Eat Vietnam (whilst not imaginatively named) is one of many little gems in the area. Our delicious bowls of Bun Ga Hue, a hot and spicy vermicelli soup with chicken, warmed both body and soul. The fragrant, lemongrass scented broth and abundant herbs took me straight back to the streets of Hanoi.

Having started my holiday food reminiscence, I decided that I should continue with a little creation of my own for dinner. Yum Som-O is one of my favourite Thai dishes. A spicy pomelo based salad, it’s fresh and delicious. I won’t even pretend that I created a dish that could bear the same name, but I did make a pomelo salad with a Thai dressing!

Getting to the flesh of a pomelo (a large citrus fruit with a flavour somewhere between an orange and a grapefruit) requires a little patience. Even once you’ve pulled away the thick, styrofoam textured peel you need to take the flesh out of each individual segment to really enjoy it at its best. But the effort is worth it and what you’re left with is a bowl of firm, juicy fruit.

I made a simple dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, garlic and chilli, mixing it through the pomelo with a few herbs and some shredded chicken. Topped with crushed toasted peanuts and served with steamed rice, I have to confess that I was delighted with the delicious (and January health-kick friendly) result.

I will make this again!