I had the pleasure of spending time with a dear friend in one of my favourite parts of London, Blackheath. Just a stone’s throw away from Greenwich, Deptford, Charlton and Plumstead, Blackheath Village is full of charming bars and restaurants that are always a pleasure to explore. There has always been one restaurants that I had wanted to visit for sometime but was always fully booked whenever I went there, Locale. Less than a minute away from the station it’s tucked away in a lovely building that is reminiscent of a small country manor.

The interior of the restaurant is decadent and thoroughly romantic. Each time I spotted a couple I nosily pondered as to whether there would a surprise proposal (the closest I got was someone requesting a song for his new girlfriend from the singer performing on the night)! It’s the kind of place that you would love to make your regular romantic getaway. Don’t be put off by this though, it is actually perfect for all occasions and the bar has the feel of a one which you would find in luxury hotel on holiday in the Italian Riviera.

Breaking bread at Locale Blackheath

Locale specialises in authentic Italian food and what a wonderful menu! I ordered Filetto di Branzino, Pan fried seabass fillet in a white wine and caper sauce with samphire, roasted cherry tomatoes and crushed new potato salad. It was utterly scrumptious, the white wine and caper sauce went perfectly with the fish. My friend had Fegato di Vitello, Pan fried calf liver with wilted spinach, crispy pancetta and jersey new royal potato. I need to take a moment here because once I had a taste I had some serious food envy. That was the best calf liver I had ever had.Seriously it literally melted in my mouth. We had to ask for the method that the chef had used to cook it because every time I have ever made calf liver, it always becomes tough! This dish was truly special. 

Calf Liver

Seabass

For dessert I tried something new, Affogato, Cinnamon ice cream, Frangelico liqueur and a shot of espresso. It was the perfect conclusion to a perfect meal, the flavours of the Frangelico liquer and the espresso combined with the ice cream were like a party in my mouth.

John Adeleye (J’Nay)

We were also treated to soul music classics from Jon Adeleye (J’Nay) with some accompanying vocals from Paris Ruel as the restaurant has a music season on throughout June – “Local Loves Live”. I had spent a while staring at Jon (I had to stop myself at times in case he got the wrong idea) because I was convinced I knew him from somewhere! I was right. On the rare occasions when I’ve watched The X Factor he was a contestant…I remembered him! Why? Because he’s superb.

I am SO glad that I was finally able to eat at Locale. It did not disappoint and is yet another reason why I love Blackheath so much!

Perfect for:

• Romantic meals
• Special occasions
• Memorable meals with good friends

http://www.localerestaurants.com/restaurants/blackheath/

@locale_bh