Review: Oliver's Fish and Chips, Belsize Park

I love fish, I love potatoes and I love mushy peas.

We came to Oliver's mainly for my GFF (Gluten Free Friend) as they have a separate fryer for this option, plus every week they change their oil so we decided to visit on this particular day.

Even though it is advertised as being in Belsize Park, Chalk Farm station is just a 10 minute walk away and I would make this journey again and again if I could.

The fish is as fresh as you can imagine - all from Billingsgate Market, we went for two haddocks and one plaice.

The plaice was huge - the fish that is. Although there are reasonable seats in the 'restaurant' area

The batter was great too - fresh and not too oily, and unlike others, it doesn't overtake the actual fish itself.

The chips were ok - home-made but not as crisp as I would prefer.

Mushy peas were fantastic though.

I haven't found a traditional (and good) fish and chips place yet in London, but Oliver's is close (so is Poppies) - I would probably come back for the fish though.

 

Fresh, non-oily batter makes all the difference

 

Gluten Free November

So some of you may remember that I decided to do an experiment a few years ago and 'turned' vegetarian for the month.

This year, I've decided to 'go gluten-free' for the month.

Before you throw your arms up in rage, I'm doing this, or rather not doing this, for several reasons:
- Supporting my GFF (Gluten Free Friend)
- See what it's like to eat out without any gluten so I can understand

This is my planned diet schedule:

Breakfasts:
At least two varieties (for weekdays and weekends)

Lunch:
Five recipes

Two brunch places

Dinner:
Two restaurants
Four home cooked dishes - preferably quick/easy plus one that is edible with non glutens

Sweets/desserts

Snacks:
Endless supplies (mainly savoury for mid-morning/for long walks but also cheeky sweet afternoon treat)

As a starter for ten, there's this really useful link with where to buy ingredients for gluten free foods
http://londonist.com/2015/03/where-to-buy-gluten-free-food-and-ingredients-in-london

Beyond Bread Gluten free bakery & cafe

Being 'gluten-free' seems to be a trend for the last few years, however there are some plus sides to this. Having friends who are genuinely on a gluten-free diet for medical reasons, more and more restaurants are creating separate menus (that aren't just omitting the bread or half a page menu) for Coeliacs - Dishoom has a great gluten-free menu I've been told. And here's another one to add:

Official opening: 5^th January 2015

2 Charlotte Place, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1SB

Beyond Bread, a 100% gluten-free Bakery and Café, will open its doors to an eager and hungry crowd from 15^th December 2014. The Bakery is set to become the ultimate hangout for foodies and a gluten-free hot spot for Londoners.

Beyond Bread is a new culinary concept to create familiar tastes through gluten-free foods. Innovating and creating, leading and not following, the team is keen to promote gluten-free past any misconceptions of it being a passing fashion fad.

The new opening has already captured the attention of the gluten-free fraternity, as well as foodies and fans of delicious new British food ventures. The number of social media enquiries has been unprecedented and the team has worked tirelessly to get Beyond Bread ship-shape in time for a pre-Christmas opening.

The Food

Beyond Bread offers a tasty range of gluten-free products, many of which are also vegan, wheat-free, dairy-free and egg-free. Everything is clearly labelled and the team will always be on hand to answer your questions. Innovation, health and nutrition are intrinsic to recipe formulation at Beyond Bread. Input from customers will be vital to the development of the menu too. The healthiest, finest ingredients are selected to boost the flavour and health benefits of products such as lemon and chia muffins (right) and pastries packed with cocoa nibs.

Sandwiches will be freshly prepared daily, as well as breakfast goods, cakes, biscuits, quiches and pies, pastries and pasties and, of course, a range of delicious gluten-free breads.