Harlem brings a little taste of New York to London – expect lots of Americans reminiscing about their hometowns with quality grub from the good ole US of A.

The Venue
Unless you live in the area, Westbourne Grove is a bit of a trek out the way, based as it is a lengthy walk from several tube stations. However, Harlem pulls in the crowd from across London based on its reputation gained from its sister Match Bar venues, which have a loyal following, and its appealing menu.

Looking surprisingly unassuming opposite the far more attractive Ping Pong across the road, Harlem doesn’t appear particularly inviting. Upon entering, you’ll see the entrance to the club and cocktail bar downstairs - Harlem Underground - and the main dining area through a door to your right. Entering the restaurant you may be surprised at how small it is. A large bar to the left dominates with a couple of tables squashed in next to it. Further towards the back is a slightly more spacious area with a few more tables sandwiched in. A central breakfast bar is handy for people popping in on their own or as a couple and not worried about perching atop a high stool against a narrow long bench. Behind this are several other tables for 2-4, all a little crushed in. The decor is wood, wood and more wood, not very inspiring and all a little rough around the edges. However, once you get used to it, it starts to take on a certain cosy charm.

The Atmosphere
After shoehorning yourself into a seat you’ll see why Harlem appeals to so many. The close proximity creates a friendly air where tables talk to each other and nobody seems to mind a lack of space. Expect a crowd made up of, primarily, locals with a few Londoners from further afield making the journey especially. There’s also a large number of Americans from all over the states, keen to try the honeyed yams, fried chicken or pancakes from back home, sadly lacking in many of London’s eateries.

The staff are helpful and friendly, if a little lacking in their etiquette (leaning over you to grab the ketchup mid-bite). They play it all a little by the seat of their pants, not writing down your order and hoping for the best; however, maybe minus the odd side, you’ll get most of what you wanted!

The Food
Many people come to Harlem for its famed Brunch menu. Where else in London can you get traditional pancakes with maple syrup, chocolate, bacon and egg (yes, all on one plate!). Served until 6pm on weekends, you don’t even have to drag yourself out of bed with a hangover to try it.

The dinner menu is equally tempting, filled with traditional American dishes that will no doubt appeal to an Americanised English palate. The free bread is, of course, traditional cornbread – a sweet cake-like bread that goes surprisingly well with a big knob of butter. For starters the Lousiana salmon cakes (£5) are a must, crumbling away and being soft without any sogginess, the salmon is lightly seasoned and melts in the mouth. If you’re really going for it then the half a rack of BBQ baby back ribs (£6) or Buffalo chicken wings (£4.95) may tempt you. However, steer clear of the calamari (£5), which are a rubbery and tasteless disappointment.

Mains are the real treat on this menu, with some huge portions to fill your belly. The New York Strip (£13.50-£21) with hand cut chips is a huge chunk of steak, cooked perfectly to order – although medium rare is recommended to make the most of the tender, dripping slab of meat. Alternatively, the fried chicken (£15) with creamed mash potato, gravy, and homemade coleslaw is delicious. If you’re eating it alone, however, opt for the three pieces of chicken as the alternative five pieces will make your stomach pop. The huge pieces of fresh fried chicken are greasy, messy and delicious – and must be eaten with your hands. Who cares if you get covered in grease, everyone else around you is doing the same! The only sour point is the coleslaw is on the bitter side, with the cabbage being too overpowering in both flavour and texture. The mash potato is a little lumpy, but is creamy and rich and works well with the gravy.

If you have the room, then desserts offer some American classics like a whole range of traditionally prepared fruit pies. For something simple, the vanilla ice cream with hot fudge (£4.95) is a light and creamy end to your meal.

The Drink
There’s a nice range of milkshakes and smoothies to enjoy alongside your meal, although they’re more like desserts and you may want to save the room in your belly for the food.

For alcoholic beverages, there’s a small but perfectly formed, unpretentious selection of cocktails. The Bellini (£7) is light and fresh and makes a good start before you tuck into the mountains of food. Once your stomach is lined then they also make a mean margarita here (£6.50), made to your liking (salt, on the rocks is the only way, of course!). There’s also a short but well described selection of wine.

The most popular choices, however, are the beers with some decent American choices on offer like Brooklyn Lager, Moosehead, Anchor Steam Beer, Anchor Liberty Ale or Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. There’s also Proof on draught. If you’re really going for it then the Boilermakers may push you over the egde. A shot of Bourbon, rum or tequila is served with your beer as a chaser – creating a real dynamic duo for just £7-£11.

The Last Word
If you’re bored of all the pretentious restaurants springing up across London then this could be the antithesis you’ve been looking for. Get messy and dive into the fried chicken with abandon before downing a margarita and feeling like you’ll need to detox for a month to recover!

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