The Raven, Stamford Brook

Hello; I'm writing to let you know that things have changed at the Raven; we have a new manager and a new chef - myself - and we have been working together to set things straight here. I've introduced new menus for lunchtime and evenings, as well as a bar snacks menu. Everything here is now prepared from scratch, fresh, every day. Taking into account the current state of the economy, we offer lunches for around a fiver, and we have just one main course costing more than �10 - which is a fillet steak. We are especially proud of our hand-made pies, available on the bar menu at �4.00 each. we do not believe you can find food of this quality at these prices anywhere else in London. We are carrying out some minor renovations and our aim is to make the Raven a truly great place both to eat and drink, without wanting to get too formal or change the nature of what we are. We want to welcome casual customers as well as those who want to eat a full meal or hold a party, and while it remains early days yet, we would be very grateful for any feedback or opinions. If you've been disappointed in the past, or simply have never been before, drop in and try a home-made sausage roll (�2) or cheeseburger (�4.50) and a pint. I personally can't imagine you regretting it - and that's not because of bias but from genuine pride in the quality and value of our product.
Rupert Shakespeare, Chef, the Raven.

14 Apr 2009 17:02

Chelsea Bar (@ The World's End), Chelsea

This place is amazing! i remember the bad old days of the world's end, but these guys have really turned it around. the bar is unrecognisable and the bistro on the top floor is just beautiful. we went to eat, and were seriously shocked at the quality of the food. i don't think there's anywhere else like this on the king's road. the charcuterie platter includes old-school classics like pork rillettes, alongside fried zampone, a home-made pate (everything, our waitress explained to us, is made from scratch - even the mayo). we shared a charcuterie to start and then cracked on with a rump steak with dauphinoise potatoes (which made a welcome change from chips), and a crab risotto that at 15 quid seemed pricey for a plate of rice - not a bit of it. this was premium risotto, better than i've had in most italian restaurants, with cornish crab piled on top of it. the cocktails were bang on-target, the staff professional and helpful, the atmosphere is great. we're locals, so we'll definitely be back, but i'd make a trek for this place across... well across the river at any rate. real class on the king's road.

22 Jan 2009 22:27