After a tiresome day hunting bargains on the Portobello Road, you will be heartily rewarded at the very top, with Ladbroke Grove’s finest restaurant and bar.

The Venue
This venue has had more reinventions than Madonna, but has finally settled in to a niche, as a cool bar with an amazing restaurant upstairs. Ladbroke Grove had lost its best night spot when Bed Bar closed down in its prime and lost its charm thereafter with a stream of soulless bars.

Luckily the owners have given it a complete soul makeover into The Fat Badger with cascading chandeliers, Timourous Beasties arty wallpaper, wooden floors, candles, fresh lilies, well worn leather sofas and walls adorned with photographic art.

The Atmosphere
For casual dining with a glass of wine or chilled beer, then plop yourself on to one of the many comfy sofas downstairs and order some gourmet grub from the restaurant above (it's the same menu throughout the venue).

After some special treatment? You can’t beat the little alcove, a romantic, almost private dining room. There’s great music throughout (of the Chilli Peppers/Smashing Pumpkins ilk) and it’s not too loud to interfere with conversations. This venue's reincarnation means that the slightly dodgy clientele of old, are out; and in, are the local Ladbroke Grove types, ready for a good time and a hearty gossip.

The Food and Drink
The Fat Badger have stolen one of the best chefs in West London, Will from The Cow, and he has more than risen to the challenge. A daily menu ensures produce such as long overlooked cuts of meat, day boat caught fish and fresh regional ingredients are the main features. There is plenty of choice for carnivores but sadly not for the non-fish eating vegetarian.

The white pork and pear pie accompanied with mash is an absolute winner, as is the plaice with broccoli and mash. The great food is accompanied by an extensive worldwide wine menu (a lovely complement to their selection of Covent Garden cheeses) and Ladbroke Grove’s favourite draught, Red Stripe.

The Last Word
Life is, as it should be in the Grove, The Fat Badger has skulked in and is here to stay. The restaurant offers brilliant food, a great vibe and best of all it won’t burn a hole in your pocket either.

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