If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know Dominika and I are always on the lookout for pubs with a very local vibe, despite being in London.
See when people from outside our little island come to visit London, they want to experience that quintessential British pub life, but what they don’t know is that most pubs in London are owned by chains like Wetherspoons, which makes visiting a pub almost as authentic as going to a McDonalds.
But it seems like the pubs with that local cosy neighbourhood pub feeling, are on the rise. I might make a list, actually. One of these is called The Hero in Maida Vale.
Let me show you!
Well, actually we started the day with some breakfast, because we had to fuel up. And I simply have to show you that too.
First, breakfast!
We had breakfast at a place called Moi et Toi in All Saints Road, Notting Hill. Seriously if one street in London is my favourite for food, this one is definitely on the top! You may remember The Pelican from one of my previous posts? Well that’s there too! Also.. The Hero is from the same owners as The Pelican so we’ve definitely come full circle with this post.
Anyway, Moi et Toi has a very vintage vibe to it, complete with Photo Booth and jukebox.
Which I absolutely love!
And their breakfast is pretty decent too. I went for a pain au peanut, which is exactly what the name suggests: a pain au chocolat with peanut butter. As well as a salted caramel bun, because they looked delicious (right)! Dominika went very autumnal with an apple tart tatine and a slice of apple hazelnut cake (left).
Look at that creamy goodness!
Walks
After breakfast, we went for a walk. A rather long walk that is.
First we wandered around Notting Hill for a bit to admire the vibrant red creeper on the houses.
And take a ton of snaps, of course!
Finally we headed through Little Venice, which you may remember is one of my favourite places to wander around in autumn.
Lunch at The Hero
Until eventually we ended up in Maida Vale, just in time for lunch!
The interior of The Hero is really cosy, with an open fire and cosy chesterfield sofas.
If that doesn’t scream cosy pub, I don’t know what does.
And the food is typical hearty comfort food you’d expect from a pub! The only thing that’s missing is Sunday roasts.
The best meals are an enjoyed in 3 courses, so we started with a Scotch egg each.
Then for a main Dominika went with a lamb neck with root vegetables.
And I craved a chicken pie, because I am a sucker for chicken pie!
The pie came served with mash and gravy, but we both ordered some extra mash.
But in hindsight the mash was so much we could have shared one bowl. But some places just give you a little thimble so ordering extra is a must. That’s not this pub.
I can’t even begin to explain how good this lunch was!
I guess you’ll have to try it for yourself.
But for now, take a look at how good that pie was…
Especially that super creamy filling.
Doesn’t that make you crave it? Or is that just me wanting another one now I’m writing this.
Pudding
If after that massive lunch there’s still room for pudding, of course the menu has options too. But if you want something really special, I can recommend going for a short walk.
About half an hour away from the Hero is La Maritxu, which serves authentic basque cheesecakes.
Look how creamy and rich!
Have that with a chai latte.
And you just got yourself the perfect closure to a perfect meal.
And now it’s time for a nap, I’d say.
