Second Bites Podcast

Afternoon tea in that centre of the London tourist scene - Leicester Square. TWG Tea is a mix of glass, marble, golden metals and wood giving a feeling of opulence and heritage as you head upstairs to the restaurant - but is it real or an illusion? Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

A celebration of Goan and Portuguese cuisine, petiscos are Portuguese tapas. All set in the relaxed villagey surroundings of Buckhurst Hill, on the east side of London.Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the sweet chorus of the A406 played in the background. God's Own Junkyard in Walthamstow seemed the perfect spot for afternoon tea.Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

We celebrate our second anniversary at Rules, who celbrated their 220th in 2018. It's an amazing experience to dine in the restaurant that hosted HG Wells, Charles Dickens and Clark Gable. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

Open the doors to Blixen, an independent situated in a former bank and surrounded by the standard chain restaurants, and you will be surprised by the space here. Not to mention delighted by the treats on the menu. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

Balans do a great line in brunch options as well as a set menu and an all-day menu. Lots of choices, too many in fact as we were left rather confused...Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

IG9 Brunch & Cafe has recently had a bit of facelift, and very fresh and invigorated it's looking too. It now has a book exchange and comfy seats by the window. The layout is comfortable and not over-crowded, always a temptation when space is at a premium. And importantly, the welcome is warm and friendly. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

Sunday = Brunchday in our house and when we heard that one of our favourite cafes had opened a sister eatery, Green Owl Canteen in nearby Loughton, the temptation to try it out was too much to resist. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

If you've walked up Drury Lane chances are you'll have noticed a corner with lush and extravagant greenery, where the building has extended tentacles of foliage right across the pavement. Venture inside and you'll find Sarastro, where Arabian Nights meets shabby chic, the perfect setting for some great Turkish food. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

On our wanderings in the wild west countryside of Almeria, we were lucky to find this gem of a restaurant, Cortijo del Cura, on the shores of Lake Negratin. A perfect spot to swim, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery; a real find. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

Brunch à la carte in the heart of the bustling community in Greenwich was a delight with lots to recommend, not least their speciality waffles. A treat for market-goers, daytrippers and locals. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

A hot summer's day is a glorious excuse to enjoy the best that London has to offer, and so we set off for a day out in Greenwich and ended up at an Argentinian restaurant - the Buenos Aires Café. As they say in the restaurant "Argentines are Italians who speak Spanish who think they are British". Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

In which we decamp to the Lake District for a week's relaxation and find a tale of two tapas restaurants in Kendal. One with a markedly more happy ending than the other! Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

We had a week's holiday and headed up North - first stop, Bettys Tea Rooms in York. If you haven't come across Bettys before, this is one for the Must Visit List. Bettys has a richly deserved reputation for doing tea and cake the proper way. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

Sundays are brunch days more often than not. Last Sunday we stayed local with a visit to Lighthaus Café in Walthamstow after seeing a brief mention in Grace Dent's restaurant review pages in the Guardian's Weekend mag. Set on an industrial estate, this converted lighting factory had some treats in store. Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

In which we celebrate the beginning of our newly cohabiting lifestyle by splurging in a style to which we would very much like to become accustomed. What better place to celebrate than Langan’s Brasserie? Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)

In which we go looking for post-art gallery sustenance and find brunch at the Covent Garden branch of Grind. A gorgeous looking venue with a lovely large window frontage, perfect for hip young things to peacock to the passing footfall. We were promptly escorted downstairs... Music: Between Worlds (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/56664 Ft: (Smiling Cynic)