London - Gordon's Wine Bar

If you ever find yourself wandering along the Strand, searching for a new spot to meet friends for after-work drinks, or indeed, have a Tinder date looming and have no clue where to go, (no smirks, Tinder happens), then Gordon's Wine Bar is the perfect place to wile away an evening.

The back entrance resides hidden along the long cobbled Villiers Road that leads towards Embankment Station, far down on the left, through an unassuming gate. If you weren't looking, you wouldn't think to notice it. (I say back entrance because when we arrived, the front appeared resolutely closed. So closed in fact, it looked like it hadn't been in business for 20 years). However, don't be fooled, it is the oldest wine bar in London, and everything about it really plays up to this idea.

Once through the gate you're in a startlingly long terrace, lined with umbrellas, tables and upturned barrels, acting as smaller tables on which to perch. Now descend down the steep stone stairs of the (back) entrance into what at first is almost total darkness, and be delighted by the dark, stone-walled, candle-lit, buzzy den that is Gordon's. The only aspect that didn't necessarily exude age and fit with the decor was the lovely, if slightly out of place, well-groomed bartender, sporting a bright pink low necked-tshirt in a way that I'm more accustomed to seeing in Soho.

Sidle your way through the busy throng and you'll emerge into a low-ceilinged, dark, candlelit stone tunnel. Very Phantom of the Opera. Very fun. We luckily managed to nab a table in the corner and brought with us our vittles. (Excuse the use of 'vittles' but I'm feeling old fashioned just thinking about it).

Aside from an extensive wine list Gordon's also does very popular cheese platters. You choose which cheese you want from the sixteen varieties available at £5.50 each (I hugely recommend the Isle de Avalon, man it was good), and it comes on a wooden plate with hunks of bread. You get proper chunks (and hunks) too, there's no messing about when cheese is involved.

You can also get hot food platters, consisting of things such as chicken wings, ravioli, moussaka, the list goes on. Similarly, you can also order from the outside grill, which does burgers, halloumi, steak sandwiches and the like, all around the £8 mark. Gordon's not only gives you choice, but it doesn't stint on the portion sizes either.

I really enjoyed my visit and it has really livened up the otherwise slightly dull Strand for me. So if you're looking for somewhere with ambience, atmosphere and great food, then give it a whirl. Or even if you just like cheese.

- J

London - Dosa Deli

Earlier today I braved the drizzle and went to a cheese and wine market with a friend at Southbank. It was held where the regular weekend farmers market is usually found, (which I highly recommend), just opposite PingPong. Although it was smaller than the usual market, everyone there was gallantly battling the elements with a glass of red in one hand, and a cocktail stick with something Devonshire stuck on it in the other, so there was a definite happy buzz about.
We, however, went rogue and opted for the (only) Indian option, because they were selling fresh, proper, Chai tea. (Plus, it was only 10am... Who were all these people?)...

The Chai was amazing and although I've tried to make it fresh at home a number of times, I've always failed, so won't bore you, but it was the Goan Masala Dosa wrap that was particularly great. The wrap itself was made fresh on the spot, much like a pancake, and it was then filled with shredded paneer cheese, onion, peppers, coriander, and had this amazing yoghurt chutney garnish that was great for dipping. Although incredibly filling, it also felt very light and healthy.

So go check out a market next time, they never disappoint.

- J