Little Bay has been open for 16 years and its Yugoslavian owner, Peter Ilic now has 5 restaurant located in Kilburn, Farringdon, Battersea, Croydon and Brighton.
One of my best friends Simone, her boyfriend Adam, my Adam and I were going out for a mid week boozy ish dinner. I say "ish" as both Simone and I were designated drivers for the evening, but could not resist a little wine after a long day at work! When Simone and I get together we are like two giggling school girls and this night was certainly no exception. I booked the table a couple of days in advance and requested the "tree house" style seating. As you walk through the front door, the restaurant is intimately sized and has the feeling of a secret bohemian Aladdin's den with a theatrical twist. A reddish tinge to the lighting is reflected off the pillar box red painted walls. The tables dressed with red skinny candles in empty wine bottles, where the melted wax has delicately wrapped around the green glass.
There are 3 tables "upstairs" where you access the seats by climbing up a loft style ladder. Get ready to duck your head as you are walking up if you are graced with long legs! The seating plan is certainly a talking point and gives the restaurant its quirky, charming atmosphere. There is also a separate side entrance to the restaurant which has a much bigger dining area used for larger parties and weekends.
The menu is simple with a small, but perfectly formed sized collection. The style of food is European with a French influence. All of the starters from the main menu are just over £3 and the mains less then £8 which is very reasonable, and refreshing to find that the prices are not over inflated for a home cooked meal out. You cannot help but have a good time at Little Bay.
By 7.30pm the front restaurant was full to the brim. To start with, we ordered warm asparagus served with hollandaise sauce and shaved parmesan, fishcakes, and homemade vegetable soup. The service was prompt and portions were generous.
For main course I chose Burberry Duck Breast Duck served with savoy cabbage, bok choi, honey and ginger jus. For £7.25 this was a hearty plate of food. The chef did take note of how I asked for the duck to be cooked (pink) which I was impressed with. Simone had Organic Salmon Fillet, my Adam had chargrilled lamb steak, crushed new potatoes and julienne vegetables. Simone's boyfriend Adam had a meat craving, so ordered the grilled steak. The main waiter was full of character. He must be used to running up and down the ladder with the plates of food and it did make me a laugh when we reminded him we had ordered a portion of chips - somehow they magically appeared from behind his hands before I finished my sentence.
Little Bay is a cash only place so remember to bring some with you. We did not know this at the time so Adam and Adam had to briskly walk down Kilburn High Road to get some from the trusty hole in the wall! All full up after a laughter filled evening in this warming atmosphere, we were all noticeably glowing red in the cheeks a little. I am not sure whether this was from the heat of the candles on the table, or the mid week tipple. It is a safe bet to say it was a mixture of the two!
228 Belsize Road
London NW6 4BT
I just read your Blog. It is fantastic. I honestly think you have a talent for writing. Keep up the good work xxx
ReplyDelete