The Table Cafe, 83 Southwark Street, London

What a lovely little place The Table is, we visited last night, we only work across the road, and had been meaning to go for ages. It is always buzzing at breakfast and lunchtime, and has recently been open for dinner. Think wooden tables and benches, chunky candles, open-plan kitchen, soft, gentle music. The perfect place to come and unwind, you are made to feel special from the moment you walk in the door.

Manager and chef Shaun greeted us and made us feel at home, there is an open kitchen so I spent most of the evening gazing over at our food being lovingly prepared. For starters, Ade had crisp suckling pig salad with New Forest cider apple compote, and I had slow braised beef cheeks with finely sliced daikon, both were delicious. Next was poached pike fish cake with celeriac and chives, shallot and watercress salad for Ade. and pan-fried perch with wilted sorrell and garlic butter with mash for me. Both were cooked perfectly, and I had never seen such a big fish cake, I decided that meant I could steal some of it. For dessert, I had a gorgeous persimmon and pear crumble, served with Madagascan vanilla custard

Apple and Persimmon crumble

Shaun said that he is going to introduce squirrel onto the menu soon, which Ade can’t wait to try, I think they may be a bit too cute and furry for me to eat though. Love the fact that the fruit and veg comes from Secretts Farm where I used to love going as a child.

With all the chain restaurants in the area, it is really nice to see someone doing something different, and with some love and passion.