Don't Tell Dad Founder Daniel Land helped build Coco Di Mama into one of London's best casual food brands before deciding to open his own restaurant. The Queen's Park bakery and restaurant was named in homage of his late sister and was a hit from day one. A longtime resident of the area, he's agreed to divulge where he goes to eat and drink close to home.
Carmel
Ground Floor, 23-25 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RA
Carmel upped the ante for Queen’s Park when it opened a few years ago. It’s grown up without being stuffy, and the Middle Eastern food is excellent. The mixed mezze is the stuff of dreams, and I always order it the moment I sit down so I can make relaxed menu decisions whilst snacking. The flatbreads are famous, particularly the za’atar one. It’s a proper neighbourhood restaurant and deservedly incredibly popular with the locals.
Wolfpack
53 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RA
If you’ve ever tried and failed to walk down Lonsdale Road on a Friday or Saturday night, you’ve already encountered Wolfpack. Housed in a loosely converted former car garage, it’s become a proper local institution. This is where the neighbourhood gets together for a pint and, like all the best spots around here, it’s locally owned.
The Fruit Shack
24 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RR
A newer fixture on Lonsdale Road. Father and son Ed and Alfie are true locals, know everyone by name and bring good humour to the street every day. Ed has 40 years’ experience as a greengrocer, which you can tell in the quality of the produce. The best for miles around.
Bar Blondie
19-21 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RA
The newest addition to the neighbourhood, Bar Blondie is a wine bar and restaurant opened by local Elliot and London wine guru Alex Price. It’s only been open a few months, but has already had such a great impact at our end of Lonsdale Road. More and more people are now seeing Queen’s Park as a spot for an impromptu evening out, and these guys are a big part of that. Also, their cellar is something else.
Ida
167 Fifth Ave, London W10 4DT
The type of local Italian everyone wants in their neighbourhood. As high streets get taken over by bland chains, I think it’s so important to celebrate and frequent places like Ida, a genuinely family-owned neighbourhood restaurant. The service is warm, the room is enchanting, and the fresh pasta is delicious. The only thing not made in their kitchen is the bread, which comes from us! It’s the perfect spot for an intimate celebration or a proper party. They hosted my 40th and our team Christmas party, although thankfully not at the same time.
See also
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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