Hammersmith Hidden Gem Challenge

For the next three months I’ll be doing a client secondment, working from the Sony offices in Hammersmith. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the pristine surroundings of Chelsea’s King’s Road for nearly 5 years now, so arriving in Hammersmith this morning was a rude shock!

How the centre of Hammersmith, with its riverside property, expensive schools and rowing clubs has avoided gentrification I have no idea, but it’s less than desirable. The high street is lined with shops as high end as Poundland, Shoe Zone and TK Maxx. The eating and drinking establishments leave plenty of room for improvement – there’s a M&S and a Pret which may well be my saving grace.

But this is London, where there are always hidden gems to be discovered. Despite first impressions, there must be a decent cup of coffee and lunch spot to be found in Hammersmith and I am determined to discover them.


DAY 1  (3 Oct) - Blanche Eatery
An independent cafe that serves a range of home-cooked meals and salads. Displayed in Ottolenghi style in dishes across the counter. A slice of toritlla and two salads plus a coffee £8.15.

DAY 2 (4 Oct) - Farmer's market

On Thursdays and Fridays there is a food market in a small square in Hammersmith with a surprisingly good range of stalls. I joined the longest queue (assuming it was the best and as an excuse to stand outside in the sun for longer) for a £3 falafel wrap from some Lebanese guys who were not perturbed by the number of waiting customers. The wrap was very tasty so I now understand its popularity but I'm not sure onion, garlic and chilli should be consumed during office hours... I also couldn't resist a big chocolate chip cookie for £1.60.

Cafe Creme (I've lost track of the days now)

The warm glow of this local cafe drew me in on a wet and grey day. Unexpectedly it's run by a chatty Frenchman with a French waitress responding to every order he barks. It serves sandwiches with the traditional fillings and a quiche or two.There's not much that is 'French' about it aside from the croque monsieur which has snuck onto the menu and a smattering of dusty French groceries on the shelves but it was a cosy enough spot to escape to.

Le Petite Bretagne

Sticking with the french theme, this week I checked out a french creperie which I'd spotted a week or two ago. It's a charming little place with an extensive crepe menu. I chose the ham, cheese and spinach crepe and a coffee. Crepes aren't exactly the healthiest lunch option but I'll definitely pop back here before my time is up here.

(Photo take from the creperie's website)