A review of Leila's Shop

15-17 Calvert Avenue  Bethnal Green, London E2 7JP

I'm in love... with Leila's.

Tucked away between Shoreditch High Street and Columbia Road, Leila's is the perfect pit stop for a mid afternoon snack and beverage to warm the cockles at this chilly time of year. Relaxed, homely and not too full at around 2pm on a Saturday afternoon, we slipped in on our way home to grab a cheeky hot chocolate and olive oil biscuit.

Made the traditional way in a good old saucepan on the hob, the hot chocolate may come in a thimble-like glass but believe me, any more of this rich nectar and you would feel decidedly sick. It was the perfect tonic for a freezing afternoon stroll and I'm already planning the next time I can fit a visit into my schedule to have another hit.

The olive oil biscuit was something I'd never tried before and was light, predictably oily, but delicately flavoured with fennel cutting through, giving it a fresh savouriness which I couldn't get enough of. The counter top was piled with pastries, brownies and other goodies so there was plenty of choice. And if you go for the panettone you'll get a slice generous enough to feed at least two!

I love the open plan kitchen where you can watch the chef and waiting staff pottering around and get your taste buds tingling looking at all their fresh produce. Everything on the menu can be cooked up using ingredients bought from the deli next door so you can even take your inspiration home with you!

I can't comment on the food as we'd already had lunch, but I'm more than happy to have an excuse to come back for brunch at some point at by the looks of their menus I won't be disappointed:

Leila's shop are on Twitter and Facebook.

A review of The Swan

Picture from www.theswanwedmore.com

The Swan, Cheddar Road, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28 4EQ

What with it being the Olympics and all (hopefully that small fact hasn't escaped anyone's attention...) and living in East London, we thought it might be wise to 'jump ship' for a few days. Head out to the country and away from all the chaos.

Discovering The Swan on i-escape.com ("a hand-picked portfolio of beautiful boutique hotels, B&Bs and houses for rent, in some of the world's most stunning locations..."), we were easily persuaded by the pub's luxuriously giant beds and baths, posh smellies and decadent River Cottage inspired grub. Our room was supposed to be the most modest of the six on offer, but there was plenty of space for us to spend a very comfortable three nights swathed in luxury, playing at being grown ups.

Picture from www.theswanwedmore.com

As well as having dinner at the incredible in-house restaurant which serves all seasonal, local ingredients the breakfast part of the 'B'n'B' was a real highlight of our trip. Regularly lumbered with the 'continental' option or a greasy fry up, we were spoilt for choice with their selection of yoghurt, granola, muesli, buttery scrambled egg and home cooked bread or full English. We tried something different almost everyday and, being tardy risers, were pretty much tided over until dinner for the most part.

Even the coffee was expertly poured and in the appropriate vessel (glass for a latte, cup for a cap) - pretty impressive for a pub more used to pouring pints.

They have a really laid back ethos at the Swan - "you can eat where and when you like". There's no set meal times and you can have the restaurant menu in the pub, or the bar snack menu in the restaurant - they really don't stand on ceremony. Cakes are available at breakfast if you're that way inclined, and there's always a newspaper or magazine lying around to flick through.

It was this relaxed approach to eating and drinking which really made the difference to our stay. Seriously refreshing in a world of intimidating holiday itineraries and 8am check out times. I would definitely recommend. 

The Swan has a website, Twitter and Facebook page. 

A review of Esca

160a Clapham High Street, Clapham, London, SW4 7UG

My sister and I ventured away from East London this weekend to sample the delights of Clapham. Despite the rumours, south London is not only the destination of choice for those seeking to settle down, procreate etc. but a haven of creativity. During our short visit, we ambled from Clapham South tube to Clapham Common, taking in innovative craft businesses (Papered Parlour, Sew over it), designers (Lisa Stickley) and a good few cafes.

Having exhausted our feet and purses at the Papered Parlour maker’s market and open studios, we found ourselves peckish so headed down the high street to deli/cafe/patisserie, Esca. On first entering I was transported back to a childhood fantasy, the ladder used to access the floor to ceiling shelving reminding me of a particular scene in a book shop in beauty and the beast... A good start if ever there was one.


I describe Esca as a deli/cafe/patisserie because it’s almost impossible to categorise. The wall shelving is piled high with jams, preserves, olive oil, teas and seasonal produce, the front window bursting with pastries, cakes, slices and bakes and the fridges inside laden with salads, sandwich fillings and more hearty options such as baked cod or lasagne.

A real feast for the senses – you’re almost paralysed by choice. 

Not wanting to miss out on what could prove to be their trump card, we mixed and matched a pesto chicken filled wholemeal baguette, with a beetroot and orange salad, then went for the croissant pudding (with cream). Washed down with a pink lemonade and Earl Grey tea, the bill came in at about £10 each.

The food was delicious and the staff impeccably attentive and friendly. It was reasonable priced and there was plenty of communal seating at the back. My only criticism would be that, compared to the visual feast at the front of the shop, the seating area had a distinct lack of chemistry or charm. It was functional, but not somewhere I’d be tempted to linger were it not for the fantastic food.

All in all, a lovely day out.