He's now a regular on TV, including Saturday Kitchen, but back in the eighties it was at the River Cafe under Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray MBE that Theo first fell in love with Italian food. Randall was head chef there for 15 years, winning the restaurant its first Michelin star. Since 2006 his home has been at Theo Randall Cucina Italiana at No 1 Park Lane which serves up rustic, produce-driven Italian dishes. A longtime Primrose Hill resident, he's sharing his go-to local shops and restaurants with Hot Dinners readers.
Primo Italian Provisions
85 Regent's Park Rd, London NW1 8UY
I love Primo stores because they are an authentic Italian deli that has fantastic quality ingredients from freshly made pasta, salumi, cheeses, chocolate, olive oil, anchovies, dried pulses, and an amazing selection of rare Italian wine. The owners are Natale and Natasha, who are so warm and friendly. If you are in to authentic Italian produce this is the place to come.
Lemonia
89 Regent's Park Rd, London NW1 8UY
This is a family favourite and has been a very busy restaurant for over 50 years. Always consistently good with delicious fresh Greek food and warm friendly service. Family owned and operated which makes it such a great restaurant. There are now tables outside, which on a sunny day makes it even better.
Lume
38 Primrose Hill Rd, London NW3 3AD
Luma is a lovely local Italian restaurant with really good food, especially their pasta. The restaurant is small so when busy there is a lovely cosy atmosphere. Good place to come if you like fresh truffles.
Greenberry Café
101 Regent's Park Rd, London NW1 8UR
Greenbury cafe is famous for its wonderful brunch menu which I have been many many times after a long walk on Primrose Hill with my Labrador. They are dog friendly, Maude always gets a snack and a bowl of water, but there is so much more to Greenbury Cafe The a la carte menu in the evening is very good and reasonably priced considering the quality of the ingredients. The wine list is a beautiful selection of quality wines that are ready to drink and offer amazing value. A really well run restaurant that is always packed, not surprising really as it is owned by legendary restauranteur, Morfudd Richards.
Primrose Bakery
69 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1 8LD
Primrose Hill Bakery sells the most delicious cakes and biscuits. Their coffee and walnut layer cake is a desert island contender. With a strong pot of tea, sitting in the shop watching the world go by is highly recommended. Many family birthday has been celebrated with cup cakes and cakes from this brilliant little bakery on Gloucester Avenue.
See also
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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