Annie’s is the type of neighbourhood restaurant I’d like around the corner from our house. Cosy, cool and serving up great seasonal food in abundance. The service is attentive and friendly and not rushed.
I was invited to eat other writers to sample some of the dishes from the Annie’s menu. We began with the restaurant’s signature cocktail – the Blush Royale.
This is an absolute must for anyone who visits when the sun is shining. Prosecco gets mixed with a dash of rose syrup and to that, crystallised rose petals. The overall taste experience was divine. It’s a sipper, although quite difficult not to rush, the longer the Prosecco remains in the glass with the rose petals, the deeper the flavour.
It was a difficult choice but the grilled halloumi, roast squash, fig and caramelised shallots won me over on the night. Spongy, well grilled cheese which worked well with the sweetness of the squash and shallots.
A really nice Summer plate of food, which was a great start to the evening.
The spicy squid with wasabi mayonnaise was a good size and the dipping wasabi mayonnaise well seasoned and not too hot.
For my main course I chose Annie’s posh chicken kebab with salad, olives, guacamole and chilli sauce and it was fabulous. Not too spicy, well toasted pitta breads and what was great was that they hadn’t stuck together so I could stuff them full of the delicious salad and chicken. The guacamole and tomato side dishes were great for providing added moisture to the dish – although in no way was it lacking in any department.
The fish and chips – battered haddock with lemon tartare and petit pops was a gargantuan plate of food.
The chargrilled lamb gigot with new potatoes, minted peas, broad beans and lemon aioli was cooked to perfection and the plate was a little on the large side for someone looking to eat three courses.
I was full-to-bursting but the dessert choices were far too good to be ignored. For me it was a no-brainer Annie’s Banoffee pie and this particular one goes down in history as one of my all time favourites. Have a look and tell me that you don’t agree? Fat chunks of banana, thick swirls of cream on one of the most dense toffee sauces, sitting on top of a sweet digestive base.
The passion fruit creme brûlée with biscotti had the perfect sugar shell which when cracked revealed a fruity cream base.
And the pecan brownie with white chocolate ice cream another brilliant plate of scrumptiousness.
There’s a covered terrace out the front and a secret garden at the back of the restaurant which has a retractable roof.
Annie’s is owned by the wonderful Lorraine Angliss who, in my opinion manages to run very welcoming, relaxing venues where courtesy is second nature and good food the norm.
Annie’s in Chiswick is hers and Rock and Rose (which I’ve also reviewed) is in her portfolio too.
Annies, 36-38 White Hart Lane London, Greater London SW13 0PZ
020 8878 2020
