#15 Brockley, Leigh-on-Sea, Kaikōura.
Where's for dinner, this week?
I started writing this week’s newsletter last Sunday.
Right before the game. I thought if it is coming home… let’s do a home special.
Tempting fate? Apparently so. But we’re going ahead anyway.
Three spots. Two places I’ve called home, one I’d like to. Maybe one day. Who knows. It has that vibe to it.
1. The Talbot, Brockley.
Now, I have technically eaten here before, but not for a very long time.
The Talbot was my local for my first London flat share.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t take advantage of the joys of The Talbot in the slightest. At the time, fresh in my early 20s, I was too busy scrimping and saving for a night out or a holiday. Eating out was far less on the agenda.
Fast forward 10 years in London under my belt, and I’m far more likely to choose a good meal over a night out.
The Talbot is one of those places. A cute neighbourhood pub with a restaurant, “at the heart of the community.” (I can vouch for that.) It’s got a non London feel to it, all whilst keeping its London charm. If you live in, or like to visit South East London, you’ll know exactly what I mean by this.
In recent years, the food offering has continued to get better and better.
Expect “little and large” plates, a selection of steak cuts, and heaps of desserts. It may not be the season, but their roasts (beef, pork, chicken, duck, pumpkin) look off the scale with (gluten free!!!) sticky toffee pudding as standard.
In the garden, on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll find their pop up Taco hut - Taqueria - serving heaps of tacos, margs, and all the typical Mexican trimmings.
Their menu is fully labelled, and so much of it is gluten free - absolutely love to see it.
I think it will have to be tacos asap whilst the weather holds out, then the roast if and when the weather turns (again).
Book a table here.
2. Tutti, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
I was born near Leigh-on-Sea, and spent most of my childhood either in Leigh or in the broader Southend area.
Whenever I go back, I’m always on the look out to see new places popping up for food.
‘Tutti’, on Leigh Broadway, sounded new to me, and it is. Previously known as Pasta Nostra, the Italian spot has had a new look (and sexy branding), offering fresh pasta, and cocktails.
The menu looks exciting — nibbles like lasagne croquettes, small plates that include mussels and polpette, eight larger pasta dishes to choose from, sides + classic Italian desserts — you’re spoilt for choice.
It’s worth noting, this isn’t your cheapest bowl of pasta (gluten free also available), with an average price of £18 a bowl, but if you stop by for lunch, you can get three courses, including a house wine or soft drink, for £22.
So if you ask me, take a train down to Leigh-on-Sea (less than an hour from Fenchurch Street), walk along the seafront, have a coffee, maybe some fresh seafood, then make your way up to Leigh Broadway, park yourself at Tutti’s for a few hours, polish off some cocktails, sample their fresh pasta and pretend you’re in Italy, before you return back to reality.
Book a table here.
3. Nin’s Bin, Kaikōura, New Zealand
One day we’ll live somewhere sunny. Maybe. Dunno. Still debating.
I fell in love with New Zealand after a family trip a few years back, and it’s been a passing thought that one day it might be a nice place to call home.
We’ve booked a holiday for November to scratch that itch, so naturally the research has begun as to all the food I’m going to eat.
One of our stops is set to be Kaikōura on the North East Coast of the South Island. A nature paradise, with heaps of marine life, it’s no wonder Kaikōura means "meal of crayfish".
And speaking of crayfish, that’s exactly the reason for this stop.
Nin’s Bin is a family run “outdoor cafe” in the shape of a fish caravan. It’s been in the family for fifty years, and serves up freshly caught cray fish, daily. I’ve got my eye on the fresh crayfish with garlic butter.
The shack is currently shut, as they’ve run out of crayfish quota for the season, but I’m hoping by November, they’ll be open again for us to swing by.
Check them out here and on Facebook for opening updates.
Every week I’ll be tempting you with where your next meal out could be - one in London, one in the UK, and one beyond. All places I want to try, but haven’t yet.
I would love for you to subscribe (button below), so we can enjoy these places together. And if you have got any tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.