I love having beauty treatments and my all time favourite is a 90 minute rose facial at The Organic Pharmacy - it is amazing and a real treat. Although after a facial I never look my best as my hair is super greasy from the oil and my face is blotchy from the extractions. So when I arranged to go for supper with my lovely friend Ceri on Saturday night after my treatment, I requested that we go somewhere low key as I wasn't looking particularly glam!
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
The Vibe
Restaurant openings in London – the chance to scream, shout and keep your potential clientele out in the streets snaking around the corner in the hope they may be let in, after a 2 hour wait. None of that nonsense here. Understated and modest, the ‘home-style’ cooking promised at Bistro By Shot is actually a stunning menu rivalling Michelin starred eateries, whilst the salvaged timber design is in fact a clever blend of cutting edge and cosy. A minute’s walk from the Sloaney show of Parsons Green, Bistro By Shot is deliberately low key yet utterly brilliant.
The Order
Whether you want breakfast and a morning coffee (Allpress beans, La Marzocco machine, natch) after a boozy night together, or a three course evening meal, Bistro By Shot really do excel themselves. Get in with them now before the masses discover that their windows fold back and the bar stools will be THE place to enjoy an Aperol Spritz and their divine cured meats come summer. The mains are delicious, and everything that emerges from the kitchen will have you reaching for your camera – Instagram is allowed, you can even @bistrobyshot. One of you must try the starter sized Steak Tartare, and you should share the Chocolate Fondant for a decadent finale.
The Game
Meet at Parsons Green tube station. Throw them off scent by walking in the opposite direction to the green and proudly present them with this modest little gem, commenting on how you just love to go to neighbourhood places instead of giving money to the big guys. Sophistication is everything here – either order classic aperitifs, or go straight in for a glass of wine, or a bottle if it’ll suit both your food choices. Ask for recommendations, it’s highly likely you’ll see the Head Chef weaving in and out of tables chatting about the latest delivery he’s had or the best match to your main. Prime second or third date material, you’ll likely end up spending the evening here- pretending you’ll both go your separate ways when you emerge, satisfied and smiling.
The Faults
It’s specific to South West. The food is good enough to pull in Londoners of all areas, but the District Line journey may be a drawback.
Sex Factor
4.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
West London has a real shortage of decent eateries. The majority that dominate are kebab shops and mediocre local hubs, mostly pubs. For many of them food is secondary and rather uninspired on all counts. Last week when perusing my inbox of new openings, I found too my delight, one with great promise. A cat amongst the pidgins.
Bistro by shot is a charming local cafe on Parsons Green Lane. Slap bang between the Fulham road and the underground. Charmingly simple in decor and design, with a cake filled coffee counter and a simple menu, it is the perfect place to stop for a light lunch.
Having spent the last year living opposite Shot, the coffee shop counterpart to Bistro, I can say with conviction that there are few places in town that make coffee so well. My question was whether they would deliver on food too. Much to my delight, they did. After a hectic morning of errands I could think of no better place to be wrapped up warm enjoying a delicious light lunch.
We went for a mix of dishes to share. Two salads : The roasted butternut squash, kale and pumpkin seed and also a pearl barley salad, with pickled beetroot, feta and sesame. Both delicious, fresh and particularly good together. We also got a selection of sides too.
All of the food, including the breads, cakes and pastries are made on site, (by their lovely French chef) so quality was high on all counts. The best thing we ordered was certainly the sweet potato mash. Smooth as silk and light as whipped cream, it was just asking to be slathered on top of a freshly baked loaf, or dunked into a salad. I would do back for that alone! The juices weren’t bad either. We went for an avocado/ kale greens containing one, and a rather more pleasing in taste berry and kiwi smoothie to share.
Finally was the obligatory shot coffee to finish. My favourite being a cappuccino with almond milk. Frothing with almond milk is certainly an art in itself, but these Aussie barrista geniuses manage it every time. who knows how, I need tips!
I also couldn’t resist a few snaps of the pastry counter. It is certainly the place for an evening aperitif, light supper or a relaxed lunch. The staff are all lovely and knowledgeable and the menu varied, yet uncomplicated. I will certainly be back for more.
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes