Best bar: The Electric
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Your support makes all the difference.There are very few questions I immediately know the answer to. What's your favourite song? Um. If you could only eat one fruit for the next week what would it be? Really? Do you like a boiled egg or a poached egg? Uh. Hold on a second. Well, you see I like both. But what about fried?
Which is your favourite bar on the WHOLE planet? Easy. Hands down. No problem. Not even thinking about it. Yep. Next question ...
It's the Electric on the Portobello Road in west London. And let me tell you why. Firstly it's inviting. I know. You'd think all bars would be inviting, right? Well, I think that some are a bit snooty or a bit imposing. Some are scary to sit at and some make you feel small. This one is open and warm and smiley. Even though it's a bar. Ahem.
It's incredibly comfortable. Yes. I know what you're thinking. A bar stool? They're not comfy at all, they're for perching on until you're pickled enough not to notice your back crumpling into the shape of a king prawn. Not at the Electric. I have no idea what the cushioned white leather, generous round stool is made of, but it might be magical marshmallow dreamy stuff.
Then there are the drinks. Glass of white and a gin and tonic? Yeah OK – I get it. Anywhere else but here. How about a pear blossom martini or a spiced apple mojito? If it's winter warmers you're after then a cinnamon rum blazer will actually make you weep and cry out "YES". I'm being perfectly serious.
Oh, and if the drinks weren't enough, you can munch on their "small plates", which are all five quid. Warm crab on toast, crispy squid or barbecue ribs anyone?
Thought so. See you there ...
Electric House & Brasserie, 191 Portobello Road, London W11 (020-7908 9696; electrichouse.com)
Runners-up
Maroush One I love eating at the bar here, watching as the most delicious chicken wraps are made on the grill.
21 Edgware Road, London W2, 020-7723 0773
Locanda Locatelli has a few little tables by the bar at the front. Delicious red wine and olives the size of Wales.
8 Seymour Street, London W1, 020-7935 9088
Pizza East has a completely brilliant bar – the beer is delicious and it's the best pizza I've had in my entire life.
56 Shoreditch High Street, London E1, 020-7729 1888
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