What we’ve been up to… Fire and Feathers

The Cultural Exposé — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:58:24 +0000

Anyone who attempts to do peri-peri in this town has the unfortunate task of going head-to-head with that chain that’s infiltrated most high streets in the last decade. But if you know anything about how the Portuguese throw down, you’ll appreciate it’s a far cry from a lemon & herb quarter chicken (or extra hot if you’re feeling adventurous). Windmill in Walthamstow has effortlessly nailed it for years, but I was pleased to get an invite from a new spot closer to home in West London that’s keen to keep it real where peri-peri chicken is concerned.

Fire and Feathers has only been around for four months, inspired by the owner’s childhood visits to Portugal, but they make a good impression – and the chicken is the centrepiece of this funky stop shop on Fulham Road. It’s definitely good, and if you’re curious about the size (they’re kinda small), the story goes that tiny chickens make for better finger lickin’ and served with the aromatic African rice on the side, I had to wholeheartedly agree.

Chicken aside, honourable mentions must also go to the garlic prawns, which kicked off last Friday’s dinner – and the custard tart finale which had such a mouth-watering aroma, it’s little wonder I didn’t order it thrice. F&F is a welcome addition to the growing West London food scene, and if you want a nicer alternative to Nandos – with a fabulous cocktails menu to boot – then add this to the hit list.

For more details visit: www.fireandfeathers.co.uk

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Somewhere you should eat… Clutch

The Cultural Exposé — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 15:10:57 +0000

Chicken in all its glorious varieties started becoming a big deal a couple of years ago with the opening of a spate of restaurants (Wishbone, Chicken Shop, Chook, Roost, et. al) taking on the cheap and cheerful Morleys of the London with a posher, free-range alternative. The latest contender to open late last year was Clutch, a hip little restaurant just off the Columbia Road (in the Hoxton area) that not only serves all sorts of chicken, but has ensured the sides and cocktails are equally as creative to stand out from the crowd. Clutch has no shame in playing up to the chicken theme and the menu screams with gags galore – “clutch it real good” chicken chowder anyone? – but gimmicks aside, the food is quite remarkable. Last Friday night was a chance for a friend and I to try a bit of everything from the menu, aided by the lovely co-owner Anthony Ussher. After downing a Cackling Goose Cosmo “clutchtail” (a fruity concoction made with vodka, apricot jam, sugar syrup, cranberry juice, lime and triple sec) we went in on:

Two delicious half buckets of peppery buttermilk and sweet soy and garlic chicken (with dippety dips of roasted garlic and creme fraiche for the latter and chicken gravy for the former)
Peanut and chilli crust “love me tenders” – simply tasty
Homemade cream coleslaw – fresh and crunchy, the way mom used to make it
Sesame and honey wings – a great pairing with the crispy fabulous fries
Baby beets with parsley, pistachio, pesto with torn mozzarella – an unusual salad but it works
Mother hen stuffing – buttery and moreish! A pleasant change from the kind served at Christmas..

…And to say we were stuffed was an understatement. Clutch is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a spot off the beaten track that’s clearly put alot of TLC in their food – and price wise, dinner might set you back around £20, but the portions are generous enough to ensure you get your money’s worth. Check out our pics below, but for more info, visit: www.clutchchicken.com What’s your favourite chicken spot in London? Tell us in the comments!

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chicken – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Fire and Feathers

Somewhere you should eat… Clutch