Brontë Aurell (Danish) and Jonas Aurell (Swedish) have run their cafe and store ScandiKitchen in London (and online) for 18 years - and have just opened a second location in London's Victoria, furthering their dream to make real Scandinavian food accessible to the British dinner table. The couple have lived in Kensal Green in West London with their two children for the past 16 years. It's a neighbourhood with some real local gems, some of which she's agreed to share with us.
Vera's
68 Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3JJ
Slightly reluctant to share this one as it's new and nicely peaceful still - but the newly opened VERA cafe in Kensal has such great food and really lovely service. I go here for my post-runs every weekend now. A little gem. The backyard is a little suntrap, where I can be found enjoying their exceptional coffee and delicious croissants. They've also just launched a brunch and lunch menu as well. Please don't tell too many people about this.
L'Angolo
120 College Rd, London NW10 5HD
This is my small but perfect local Italian deli. Not too polished, just so lovely and genuine. I've been coming here for my proper tomatoes, proper pasta and cheeses since moving to the area in 2008, but it has been here decades earlier than that. Truly great produce - okay, you pay for the fresh fruit and veg, but it is always great quality. They stock the really good pasta brands as well as fresh Italian sausage and cheeses. Fresh arancini and pizza dough on Saturday mornings. Plus, I get to brokenly practise my Italian (I'm sure they really enjoy this... ahem).
One One Six Wine Bar
116 College Rd, London NW10 5HD
I am a huge wine lover and I know of nothing better than a really nice glass of wine with good friends. This is a proper local wine bar that focuses on really good wine and light bites - and really great, knowledgeable wine knowledge and service.
Parlour
5 Regent St, London NW10 5LG
Great food, great pub and garden, wonderful hospitality. Been going there since it opened in 2012. Chef owner Jessie's amazing and I don't think I've ever had anything but greatness here. Great mid-week deals - and great brunch, too. Great drinks. Great garden, great everything. My kids have grown up on the Flamin' Wagon Wheel and Arctic roll desserts.
The Chamberlayne
83 Chamberlayne Road, London NW10 3ND
My partner Jonas and I often have our end-of-week meetings here - it seems to be a bit of a tradition now after a busy week at our cafes Scandikitchen. This place has been through so many metamorphoses in the last decades - from local to gastro pub, steak place, pizza place and now back to being a pub with good food. The team here is really lovely and the food is good (try the chicken pie). It's a busy street but the little side beer garden still managed to feel secluded and relaxed.
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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