A few weeks ago on one of the last days in my old office in Fitzrovia, we nipped around the corner after work for a light, casual dinner at the informal all-day café The Larder in Fitzroy Place.
Part neighbourhood cafe, part relaxed wine bar and part upscale deli, the shelves are stacked high with provisions to take home: tins, jars and oils, wine, organic fruit and vegetable, artisan chocolate, fresh bread, charcuterie and cheese, handpicked tea infusions and salads, flatbread sandwiches and cakes available at the deli counter. Aaall the good stuff. The modern decor lends itself to a cool, chilled atmosphere from breakfast 'til supper with a laidback menu and freshly ground coffee from a family-run joint in Dorset (also very good - I popped back the next day to grab one). There's nothing fussy or fancy here, just simple dishes relying on quality ingredients: we shared the sardine pâté from Portugal, the Ortiz bonito belly from Spain (love the decorative packaging), a warm, tasty Scotch egg, the delicious baked Godminster organic brie with toasted hazelnut and raisin bread and the creamy burrata served with crushed avocado, washed down with a light pink bottle of rosé from Provence. Check it out next time you're looking for a low-key pitstop in W1.
The Larder, 8 Pearson Square W1W 7EY
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