Home from Home in South West London
When you visit Annie’s, two restaurants that are enviably located within the leafy south west London suburbs of Chiswick and Barnes, you’ll be tempted to sing the theme tune from Cheers, because they genuinely are always glad you came.
The décor: cosy and welcoming, the service: familiar yet professional and the menu: brasserie-style with British and Mediterranean influences, from brunch through to dinner. All in all they create two quintessentially home-from-home neighbourhood restaurants.
Décor
Designed with comfort in mind, the ‘shabby chic’ interior has been created by owner Lorraine Angliss and features mis-matched chairs,chunky oak dining tables and squishy sofas. Lorraine’s passion is shopping and this is evident in the stunning objets that include delicate butterfly decorations, giant gilt mirrors and crystal chandeliers, all complemented by perfectly placed, dramatic fresh floral displays.
The Chiswick Annie’s is located by the river at Strand-On-The-Green and is spread over two floors with an upper private dining room available for parties of up to 30 whilst Annie’s Barnes has a beautifully tiled ‘secret garden’ perfect for alfresco summer lunches with the family and evening get-togethers with friends.
The Food
The food at Annie’s reflects the restaurants’ philosophy – generous and uncomplicated. Everything is freshly prepared from scratch daily in Annie’s kitchens. This is the kind of place where you could spend all day – and you should. Drop in for a morning coffee to read the papers, but why would you stop there when eggs is their speciality: from Benedict, Florentine to Royale. Alternatively, choose the grilled Portobello mushrooms with melted Brie on ciabatta, roast tomatoes and rocket; or the toasted bagels with smoked salmon, cream cheese and lemon oil.
For lunch and dinner, there is something for everyone. Healthy sized portions of comforting dishes include beer battered haddock and chips served with tartare sauce and peas;12-oz Scotch rib-eye steak and chips with a peppercorn and Annie’s homely shepherd’s pie with honey roasted carrots and parsnips. Lighter options include mussels Provencal with chorizo and parsley; grilled halloumi, roast squash, fig and caramelised shallots alongside a Cajun chicken Caesar salad with lemon croutons, baby gem, avocado and a Parma hamcrisp. Plus, there is always a selection of delicious dishes on the colourful specials’ board and a tempting roast for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
If you have room, indulgent desserts include a chocolate and ginger brownie served with a white chocolate ice cream and a blueberry cheesecake with honeycomb – it would be rude not to!
The Drink
Equal attention to detail has been placed on the drinks selection with an extensive international wine list that has 20 available by the glass, ideal for a cheeky one with lunch or after work. The cocktail list is small but perfectly formed and includes the Annie’s signature ‘Blush Royale’ made with Champagne, vodka, rose syrup and crystallised rose petals; alongside a classic ‘Cosmopolitan’ and a ‘Raspberry Bellini’.
There you have it, Annie’s is the epitome of good living. Stop by, whatever you’re in the mood for – you’ll be glad you did. They’ll even remember your name – if you tell them.
Annie’s
162 Thames Road, Chiswick, W4 3QS T: 020 8994 9080
36-38 White Hart Lane, Barnes SW13 0PZ T: 020 8878 2020
AboutMyGeneration 