We went to Le Café Anglais (LCA) in Whiteleys for lunch.
Local Gastronomes recommended it. We had been to Kensington Place (KP) some years ago – loud, buzzy, OK food but never cared enough to go back. LCA is Rowley Leigh’s (formerly of KP) new place.
It occupies the space that was formerly the site of MacDonalds. The transformation was astonishing … in a good way. Very art Deco, big windows, lots of light, very buzzy, yet relaxed, atmosphere. There was good space between tables so no wheelchair problem AND we could hear ourselves speak.
The food was generous in proportion and pretty good – easy to see why the Gastronomes liked it – nothing too complex but simple and well cooked. I definitely made the best choices – lovely scallops with Jerusalem artichokes, hake on fried aubergine and lemon posset with blood oranges for dessert – very yummy. I subsequently discovered that the parmesan custards with anchovy toasts are supposed to be to die for…next time!
Whiteleys itself is very accessible – like most modern malls - with a big car park at the back. It is an odd place though. As a shopping centre, it never really took off and now, some years after opening, it is looking a bit rundown in places. It seems they are trying to revitalise it, and LCA is a step in doing so, but I am not sure it is enough. I am also not sure that the people LCA want will go to Whiteleys to eat out? Meantime, good food, nice place: is that enough to make it a destination venue?
We thought it would be a good place to go with a big table of people so, we may be back...
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