Let's lunch in Golborne
The sheer variety and quality of food available in Golborne's cafés and restaurants never ceases to amaze. It may be true that there's no such thing as a free lunch, but you'll find astonishing value on and around Golborne Road. Here are half-a-dozen of our favourites.Bluebelles
Recently opened on Portobello Road, Bluebelles has a New York feel to it. The decor combines exposed-brick, furniture constructed from old wooden boxes and timber floors. Lunch choices include ciabatta sandwiches with fillings like Dijon chicken, avocado and bacon or honey roast ham, Emmental and chutney. There's also a selection of salads and, if you've room, desserts include brownie with berry coulis and vanilla ice cream.
320 Portobello Road, London, W10 5RU
Cockneys
This most traditional of Golborne eateries serves that old London favourite, pie and mash. As well as locals, a steady stream of visitors from around the world visit Cockneys to sample the authentic pie and mash and the jellied eels. If you're looking for a delicious bargain, enjoy pie, mash, peas and gravy for just £3.30.
314 Portobello Road, W10 5RU, 020 8960 9409
Galicia
Walk into this popular Portobello Road fixture and you'll feel like you've left London behind and arrived in Madrid. Galicia serves authentic tapas as well as a full menu of traditional Spanish dishes. Lunch for two comes in at a moderate price if you choose three or four tapas dishes – the seafood ones are especially good. Alternatively, choose the set lunch menu for £10 which includes three courses and coffee. Amazing value.
323 Portobello Road, W10 5SY, 020 8969 3539
Golborne Deli
Golborne Deli offers a relaxed atmosphere with changing displays of contemporary art at a prime Golborne Road spot, with outdoor tables available when the weather is kind. Lunchtime options include soup of the day served with toasted ciabatta or granary, rye or gluten free bread. There's also a tasty selection of toasted ciabattas and bruschetta plus homebaked cakes and tarts.
100 Golborne Road, W10 5PS, 020 8969 6907, golbornedeli.com
Moroccan Fish Stall
The Moroccan Fish Stall on Golborne Road offers a street food experience to rival anything you'd find in Marrakech. Your menu choice is cooked right in front of you and might include sea bass, swordfish or sardines, all served with generous portions of chips, rice and salad. If you're on a tight budget, try a bowl of fish soup with bread for just £2.50.
Opposite Golborne Pharmacy at 106 Golborne Road, W10 5PS
La Sophia
If you're looking for something special, try La Sophia where the modern French cuisine with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences has attracted rave reviews. The lunch set menu is £16.50 for two courses and £20 for three. The menu changes regularly, but typical dishes include Jerusalem artichoke soup with roasted shallots and white truffle oil or stuffed chicken breast with mushroom duxelles, creamy mash potato and truffle velouté.
46 Golborne Road, W10 5PR, 020 8968 2200, lasophia.co.uk