As co-founder of the Maginhawa Group which launched Panadera and Mamasons, and the owner of North London businesses Hoodwood and viral sensation Belly, Omar Shah is a restaurateur helping to redefine Filipino cooking in London. Raised in Kentish Town, he’s agreed to share his favourite food and drink spots in his neighbourhood with us.
Doppio Coffee
177 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8PD
I love this coffee shop. There is a decent amount of seating built from old pallets and laminated wood, nothing polished, no shiny marble counters. They double up as wholesalers and espresso machine repair specialists, so half the charm is watching an engineer tinkering with machines in the back. It is light industrial but somehow warm and welcoming. Their aesthetic is that they do not care about aesthetic, which is its own effortless vibe, letting the focus stay on what matters, really good coffee.
Farmer’s Market (Supermarket)
175 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8PD
This independent supermarket run by two brothers is the closest thing we have to a Brooklyn bodega on Kentish Town Road. Their fruit and produce are excellent, a lot of which I buy for my own kitchens. Inside, you will find an in-house butcher, a self-serve olive bar, and a treasure trove of spices and ingredients from around the world. What really stands out is the community spirit. I have lost count of the times I have seen the boss man looking after the elderly or helping someone out if they are short on change. It is more than a shop, it is a hub for the community
The Parakeet
256 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2AA
A lot of admiration goes out to the Parakeet crew. They have created one of the best pubs in London, but it is probably fairer to call it an outstanding restaurant that just so happens to be a pub. Chef Ben is doing serious work on the open fire, turning out food that is both inventive and comforting. It is a beautiful space, and the team deserve huge credit for what they have built.
Kossoffs
259 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2JT
I am a big fan of their bread and pastry work, sourdough, lamination, all of it. Aaron and Joe have built something special, and you can taste their passion in every bite. Their pastries are some of the best in London. On a recent visit, I had the most amazing savoury corn cake from their collaboration with Ixta Belfrage, so good that I am already planning my return trip. Always packed, always deserved.
Anima e Cuore
127 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8PB
A Kentish Town institution. I remember when Mustapha was just opening it, and the passion he had describing the vision. To see it now thriving as both a fresh pasta BYOB restaurant and a deli is something to be proud of. It is intimate, authentic, and one of those rare places where you can feel the soul of the chef in the food.
Also see
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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