#42 Herne Hill, Bolton, Melbourne
Where's for dinner, this week?
I am one of those people who at Uni, was buzzing about a Prezzo 2for1 voucher.
Remember those coupon sites? Well I was there top visitor.
As someone who has always loved to eat out, my choices were naturally very different when I had about 2p to my name, but I still manage to become a regular at the Canterbury ASK.
Why am I telling you this unnecessary information? Well, my heart skipped a similar beat when I recently discovered First Table.
Instagram knows its audience, and their ad hooked me. Their offering? 50% off tables for great restaurants, just by dining at less popular off peak times of day.
A quick browse got my finding the likes of Brother Marcus, Lahpet, Khao Bird (the Bridget Jones flat Thai restaurant I mentioned few months back), and even Caravan.
Have you tried the app? I’m gonna give it a go next week, so I’ll let you know how it goes.
Onto this week’s list.
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1. Naughty Piglets, Herne Hill.
Just a short walk from Brixton (down Brixton Water Lane) you’ll find a lovely little spot for food and drink. And after reading more about it, I want to go.
Naughty Piglets is a local bistro with rotating chefs - new ones each month - that focus on seasonal ingredients with international influences. At the moment, it’s Philippe Sono heading up the kitchen (previously on MasterChef) showcasing the best of West Africa.
And when it comes to lunchtimes, Weds-Friday is all about the jambon-beurre - a French ham baguette, filled with butter and you guessed it, ham.
The description reminds me of that brie baguette they go mad for on Twin Peaks, where butter is about an inch thick. These guys are so passionate, the sarnie even has its own merch and Insta account.
I can’t quite believe they’ve been around for 10 years and I haven’t stopped by. Secretly hoping I wake up tomorrow able to eat gluten and I can smash one of those baguettes.
Book a table here.
2. Earl’s, Bolton
Earl’s have done a fantastic job of Insta hype in the last few weeks, as their ads have been everywhere.
Their branding is striking, they’ve got great ambition and according to their the owners, launched after feeling Bolton was missing a gaff like this.
They call themselves a deli, but it turns out they also do coffee and pastries in the day, plus booze and small plates in the eve. Then from Feb 4th, they launch butties.
For those wanting to “work from Earl’s” in the local area, pitch yourself up and have unlimited coffee all day for just a tenner.
For now, the small plates are minimal - I’d call them more a snack - but if I ever find myself in Bolton, I’ll definitely swing by, even for some natural wine, a bowl of olives, music and to enjoy the nice aesthetic.
Book a table here.
3. Waxflower, Melbourne
As December and January came and went, so did a flurry of people I follow taking an extended holiday to Melbourne.
I’ve always wanted to go, but on a trip to Aus about eight years ago, the lack of annual leave meant being a little more clipped with how many Australian cities were manageable.
Sadly, Melbourne wasn’t on the list then, but now I think it would be top when returning.
And when it comes to food and drink, Waxflower caught my eye. They may be a listening bar at the heart, but they don’t mess about when it comes to food.
Headed up by Head Chef Dave Falvey puts together a hybrid of European and Peruvian influenced flavours to accompany music from local and international DJs, and record collectors. No genre is off limits.
They do wine well too, with a focus on minimal intervention or a natural winemaking. There’s a big push for protecting farming practices of producers and removing the use of herbicides and pesticides in the wine too, so you’re in very safe hands.
What I would give to be sat outside on a sunny day, tucking into some plates with friends, and washing it all down with a chilled red. Manifesting it as we speak…
Book a table here.
What’s “Where’s For Dinner?”
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.