Foxlow Chiswick

"My friend Kobi is what most people would call an all-rounder. She’s well-spoken, educated, and good at sport. She has a great job, she’s a total babe, and is also one of the few people I know who actually owns and drives a car in central London. She also once got so bladdered that she pulled a squaddie and woke up in Buckingham Palace barracks. So yes, she’s basically perfect. She also reminds us a little of Foxlow, an all-around British restaurant that does everything well. It’s from the same guys who opened the excellent Hawksmoor steakhouses, so you can bet that you’ll be able to get a very good steak here any night of the week (they use the same suppliers). The lunch and dinner menu’s packed with things you’d be very happy to eat like fried chicken, or a killer dish of slow-cooked short rib with kimchi. And at weekends, they do a good plate of chicken and waffles, as well as a proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings. The original restaurant in Farringdon is a little smarter for its central London crowd, but this Chiswick site has the comfiness factor of a neighbourhood spot while also still keeping the cool brasserie feel. Your parents won’t find the menu too challenging or the noise levels too loud, and your date will love all the vintage posters and fancy cocktails. Helpfully, you can book like a civilised human being, and the restaurant will also be able to swallow your mate’s screaming birthday party or office do with ease. None of the food will make you inclined to sit on the District Line for an hour, but if you’re in the neighbourhood, it should be one of your immediate go-tos. It’s a solid restaurant for anyone at any time, and unlike most half-arsed places purporting to do similar things, it actually delivers. If you count the bar, you might as well forget about your local pub altogether. Just be careful not to get so drunk that you wake up in some barracks yourself. You’re not exactly Kobi. Food Rundown Snowgroni The unholy devil spawn of a slush puppy and a negroni. These guys know how to make a good cocktail, and the snowgroni is our favourite, mostly because we secretly still love things like Saturday morning cartoons and those Monster energy drinks. Kale, Avocado And Fresh Herb Salad You’ll need this to cut through the meat and carbs that you’ll be ordering later. Salmon Crudo, Chilli And Ginger Thin slices of raw fish (that’s what crudo is, guys) with good olive oil, a little chilli for heat, and ginger for pep. If you like light and tasty starters, this is for you. Slow Cooked Tamworth Spare Ribs Order these because you love England, and because tender meat covered in sticky goo makes you happy. Spice-Roasted Cauliflower For a restaurant opened by a couple of guys known for steakhouses, Foxlow is surprisingly good for vegetarians. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, this is a great thing to put in the middle of the table. Beef Short Rib with Kimchi The beef’s slow-smoked until it’s fork-tender, and paired with some tasty, zingy kimchi. They only do this on Wednesdays, mind - but it’s worth rearranging your social calendar to eat this thing. Fried Chicken Sandwich As far as fried chicken sandwiches go (and we may have had a few during our time), this is a good one. The bird makes an appearance at brunch with waffles too, so keep a look out for it. Hanger Steak Nicely cooked and will satisfy your craving for red meat. At £12, it’s also a steal. Victoria Plum Crumble Their sticky toffee pudding and sundaes are pretty amazing, but this place does a great crumble - it would be rude not to." - David Paw