Isobel Cripps

  • The Depot, Barnes

    Tuesday June 8th, 2010

    Never let anyone convince you to take to the road on a bank holiday weekend; you’re asking for trouble if you live in a city like London, urban or suburban, it really makes no difference these days. Unless, of course, there’s a damn fine meal at the end of it; then, it’s worth the 15 miles = 1.5 hour schlep.

  • L'Anima, London

    Thursday April 22nd, 2010

    The Italian chef and man of the moment, Francesco Mazzei is cooking up a Calabrian storm at L'Anima, his city restaurant. But as Isobel Cripps finds out, sometimes all the PR hype and pre-conceived romanticisms can leave you feeling disenchanted.

  • Va Bene. Soho, London

    Saturday April 10th, 2010

    ‘Va Bene’…….roughly translated means, ‘ok’. Somehow this seems a rather inappropriate name for this Italian restaurant, as it’s more than ‘ok’. Va Bene in Brewer Street, Soho, typifies what people fundamentally love about Italian dining – charm, character and warm hospitality, with homemade pasta like your Mamma used to make…….

     

  • The Forge, London

    Saturday April 3rd, 2010

    Covent Garden isn’t all about jugglers and tourist traps you know, there are some pleasant surprises along the way if you wander for long enough.The Forge is not only a smart, grown up restaurant with chef Andrew Barber at the helm,but it also boasts one of London's most impressive wine lists. So, go there thirsty, with plenty of time on your hands........