Restaurants

Occupying a corner site, with large windows looking out over Kew Road, Escale is a pleasingly relaxed spot. There’s a terrace outside on two sides of the restaurant, with just enough room for a single row of tables, surrounded by a low hedge. Inside, framed prints of ancient ruins decorate the pale walls, and diners sit at wooden tables with distinctive, high-backed wooden chairs. It was mostly couples on a recent evening visit. Good olives and excellent pide were brought to our table. Starters of sardines were extremely tasty in their tangy lemon marinade. Mücver courgette fritters were faultless, exceedingly light in texture. A main course of fish güveç was also a winner, with plenty of swordfish and prawns, yet lacking the promised mussels. Izgara köfte was delicately flavoured, and served with bulgur and a green salad, plus cherry tomatoes. The atmosphere was relaxed, although that sometimes meant it was hard to get the staff's attention. Escale is well worth visiting, but could keep a closer eye on the details.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008