We don’t get great weather in London so any excuse to make us believe summer is here will do. Whether its cherry blossom interiors, fake beaches or just eating alfresco (whilst actually being completely protected from the elements.) So, for those of you pining for that London summer time feel, take note, Pergola is back and bigger than last year.
Although Pergola on the Roof is one of the original destination and with a prime rooftop spot in White City I didn’t care to venture all the way back to West London (I’m an East London girl). Then came Pergola Paddington, one located much more centrally offering another exciting alfresco dining experience.
Pergola is set over 2 floors, the roof top terrace has the bars overlooking the canal and the eatery is downstairs with 5 restaurants. There’s Patty and Bun, (yummy burgers which we had last time) Mamalan (Beijing dumpling specialist) Decatur (New Orleans inspired food), D/F Mexico (American diner fused with Mexican flavours) and finally Raw Press (healthy drinks and snacks).
Of the five restaurants only Mamalan claimed they served halal but I usually don’t take the cooks word for it when I see them handling a whole lot of pork. So I moved on, then there was Decatur with a chef skilfully preparing the oysters. I’ve never had Oysters especially since the Friends reference remains something about a big booger (Oh Joey!) unfortunately for me when you are a self proclaimed foodie you’ve got to try it before you knock it so try I did.
There was an option of char grilled or raw at 2.50 a pop. Now I know you’re meant to slurp it down in one go but there was no way I was gonna slurp anything especially without actually tasting it. Once I did I knew I didn’t like it. The texture itself is lovely and smooth like a scallop but the taste resembled very much when you swim in the sea and accidentally gulp in water. So much for it being an aphrodisiac
So, I moved on again. Raw Press looked good but I didn’t want anything super healthy so the only place remained was D/F Mexico.
We saw the battered MSC Cod, red cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, lime and crema with Crinkle cut fries topped with cheese sauce, chipotle and jalapeño and were sold. The combination of flavours was extraordinary, and something I would have again.
I can imagine this place is popular for lunches or after work drinks if you work centrally. Although there were only two of us most of the tables were reserved by large groups so we struggled to get seating at first. But once we did its hard not to appreciate being in a hidden oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Overall I loved the atmosphere, with the casual seating, the natural yet urban garden setting with chrome highlights. I’m glad I went but it’s definitely not one for the halal food scene.
Pergola Paddington is open from Thursday April 26 2018 until October 2018.
5 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central, W2 6PY
@pergolalondon
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