Alex Large is the co-founder of the hugely popular brunch spot Brother Marcus and Soho cocktail bar Kamara. Having trained as an actor and worked in hospitality at various restaurants including Caravan, it was his partnership with fellow founder and friend Tas Gaitanos that led to the launch of the first Brother Marcus in Balham in 2016. Now, less than a decade later, it has six branches across London.
Although he's a relatively new resident in Raynes Park, Alex already has plenty of food and drink places in the area he'd recommend to Hot Dinners readers.
Three Apes
26 Coombe Ln, Raynes Park, London SW20 8ND
For coffee, this is my go-to. The team are brilliant: they remember your name, your order, ask how your day’s going, and they’re fantastic with kids. The coffee is top-notch and the whole vibe is warm, welcoming and properly local.
Lockdown Bakehouse
82 Durham Rd, Raynes Park, London SW20 0TL
This place was such a smart move for the area, and I’m so glad it opened. Their pastries are unreal, with loads to choose from and super consistent, and their sourdough is the best in town. Weekend brunch is cracking too with great eggs and that banging sourdough always being my go-to. Like most of Raynes Park, my wallet’s taken a hit, but it’s money well spent!
Jin Go Gae
272 Burlington Rd, New Malden KT3 4NL
Korean food is pretty legendary around the Raynes Park and New Malden area, and I’ve made my way through as many spots as I can, but Jin Go Gae stands out. The Korean BBQ is my favourite, perfect for a group get-together, and the spicy crab is another must-order. It’s also BYOB, which I love.
Hoshi
54 Durham Rd, Raynes Park, London SW20 0TW
I’m fairly new to the area, but from what I understand this place has real status and has been around for years. I absolutely love their sushi, and the hospitality is always really warm with big smiles as soon as you walk in and throughout. The black cod is a complete banger and absolutely needs to be ordered. It’s a brilliant neighbourhood spot for a simple, clean and high-quality dinner.
And a little further afield
The Hand in Hand
6 Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4RQ
And for a pint, nothing beats The Hand in Hand on Wimbledon Common. It serves one of the best pints of Guinness around and is mine and my wife’s favourite evening spot for a few drinks. The garden out front is a real community hub in summer with families, kids, dogs, the lot, and inside is awesome in the winter with a warm, rustic feel and open fires. Love it.
See also
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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