Author: Paloma Lacy

Nothing says, I love you, quite like a luxurious, gooey dessert to share. Big Mike’s Calypso Kitchen at Boxpark Croydon has launched a decadent trio of puddings in time for Valentine’s Day. Best of all, for every dessert ordered, the restaurant will donate one to Croydon’s homeless.

This Valentine’s Day will be like no other. With no restaurants open for dining in, it means there’ll be no debate over whether to go out and celebrate. Valentine’s Day is one of those days that everyone claims not to be bothered by but is secretly loved.

Even in this third lockdown, there are few signs for baking mania ceasing. It’s as if the country has gone back 50 years, making, baking and preparing meals from scratch once again.

Bando Belly brings London soul food fusion to the masses, inspired by America, the Caribbean, South-East Asia and primarily, and most importantly, multicultural London and its rich and diverse food heritage.

There was much excitement when Rudie’s Jerk Shack announced it was setting up home in Brixton Village, not least from me. Ever-changing operating restrictions in late 2020 played havoc with the opening but this finally happened last month.

As quirky brand names go, Cake or Death must surely take the prize. Is it a choice? Not sure. If another reason were needed to give Veganuary a try, this east London vegan bakery could well be it.

There are those pubs which hold a special place in your heart. For me, it’s The Regent in Balham. It was THE meeting place for my friendship group around a decade ago and the scene of many life changing events – early dates, hen weekends arranged over a glass of wine, and best woman’s speeches written here.

Once upon a time Canary Wharf was solely for business folk, jollying it up at lunchtimes and after work. Weekend visits felt like entering a ghost town but that’s all changed.

Thirty years ago, Streatham was known for having some of the best Italian food around. Then everyone started cooking pasta at home and the public appetite for the cuisine diminished.

The culinary status of the humble burger has risen hugely in the past few years, so little wonder it’s the one meal so many people crave. Here’s our guide to the best burger joints south of the river

Before a global pandemic hit, Norbury showed serious signs that it was on the up. The good work of local group Love Norbury – persuading everyone to take pride in the area and generally clean up after themselves – seemed to finally be paying off and money began to trickle down and away from the trendier suburbs.

Three weeks ago, I did something I once took for granted, and recently feared I’d never get the chance to do again.

Criticising chain restaurants is a popular sport and one which I confess to playing on occasion.

The fact of the matter is that chains exist because people love them. They’re a known quantity, safe pair of hands – call it what you like, they’re here to stay.

It’s a brave person who opens a restaurant, but opening two in the middle of a global pandemic is to be greatly admired. When I first visited The Tapas Room in Deptford a decade ago, the joy derived from a glorious lunch, was tempered by the realisation that I’d be unlikely to visit again.

Brixton is famed for its Caribbean culture: Windrush Square, Black Cultural Archives, Brixton Jamm and many Caribbean restaurants.

Imagine my disappointment when I arrived at my favourite Peckham bakery to find it had closed down for good. I was gutted because the sourdough was to die for. I wondered if it had been a victim of people baking their own bread during lockdown. Alas, not. It had shut its doors last Christmas long before the other C-word had even entered the lexicon.

If ever an excuse were needed to eat the nation’s favourite dish, it’s National Curry Week until October 11. Given the recently cooler weather, you might want to have yours at home. For curry in a hurry, Atcha’s new Battersea kitchen is poised to serve South London with healthier alternatives to popular dishes.