NEIGHBOURHOOD TOURS IS OUR NEW SERIES WHERE ONE OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS WALKS US THROUGH THEIR FAVOURITE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN LONDON.
Joe is an Account Manager here at Sessions and is responsible for partner success, making sure all the restaurants we work with are well looked after. Joe is most likely to be found at Parliament Hill Lido when he has a free Saturday or at one of the many pubs nearby.
WHICH NEIGHBOURHOOD ARE YOU TAKING US ROUND?
Kensal Rise!
BEST COFFEE PLACE?
I literally live above it so it's convenenient as well as lovely! The team there are so nice and the coffee is really good - some questionable music choices are forgiven.
GO TO ORDER?
My go-to order is an oat cappuccino if I'm sitting in or a flat white if I'm taking away (rare).
Visit yourself:
Wild Card is a specialist coffee house combining great coffee and delicious cafe style food. Their coffee comes from Quarterhorse of Birmingham which is renowned for its finely-roasted beans. You can even opt for a tasting ‘flight’ of coffee served three ways in order for you to appreciate new flavours and potentially discover a new favourite.
30 Chamberlayne Rd
London
NW10 3JD
BEST SPOT FOR BREAKFAST?
It is very "Caffs not Cafés". This is a stalwart for everyone in the big KR - cheap, millions of options and a very good full English with a mug of slightly crap tea - perfect. The best thing about it is that everyone goes, from intimidating art student types to the Grannies chatting shit about their children-in-law.
GO TO ORDER?
Full English, sausage no bacon. Number 2 on the menu for when you go...
Visit yourself:
Arthur's Cafe Restaurant is known in Kensal Rise as little hidden gem. It is the kind of caff that is visited by locals for their whole life, where the prices haven't really changed in years and the food is great for a greasy spoon without being dingy or a little too greasy!
Keslake Mansions
Station Terrace
NW10 5RU
BEST PLACE FOR A BIT OF LUNCH?
Full transparency, this isn't really a lunch place and I've only ever ordered one thing. However, their competitively priced yet delicious 3 cheese toastie has got me out of many a tight spot.
GO TO ORDER?
But of course the 3 Cheese Toastie
Visit yourself:
Having built up a loyal local following in West Hampstead, Wired Co opened a second café in Kensal Rise – Cable Co. There’s an industrial, functional feel to the interior but it’s really all about the coffee and toasties. At Cable Co. you'll find a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that caters for the locals from writers to musicians, actors, bloggers, students, musicians and parents.
Bridge House
Chamberlayne Road
NW10 3NR
BEST EVENING PLANS FOR DINNER?
This place is a really really nice restaurant on the corner of the street. It is cosy with with very nice tableware and decor inside. I love the freshness and the food is absolutely delicious.
GO TO ORDER?
Tagliatella al granchio con pomodorini e prezzemolo
Visit yourself:
Ida opened in 2007 in a pretty Grade II listed corner shop in Queens Park/Kensal Rise. Family-run, by husband (Avi) and wife (Simonetta) team, they whip out freshly made pastas in all sorts of shapes and sizes daily. Most of the recipes and dishes are made directly from Avi's mother's recipe book brought over from Cupramontana in Italy.
222A Kilburn Lane
W10 4AT
BEST POST/PRE DINNER HANGOUT?
Its the local! This is the best people watching spot in Kensal Rise - both inside and out. It is perfect in summer with a lovely garden and terrace out the front.
GO TO ORDER?
Guiness (or a Campari Spritz if the energy is right)
Visit yourself:
The Whippet Inn is an independent gastropub with a focus on "great vibes" (quote from their site) and food, with a thorough craft beer and wine selection to match. Their heated, all-year round garden is a wonderful place to pop to after work or on a lazy Sunday.
64 Chamberlayne Road
NW10 3JJ
WILDCARD...
These kings know how to make a chicken shish wrap.
Visit yourself:
A BYOB Turkish Restaurant serving up a great selection of meats, fresh salads and tasty side dishes will never fail. Don't be fooled by the exterior, this is an authentic Turkish restaurant not to be confused with some of the kebab shops nearby.
55 Chamberlayne Road
NW10 3ND
