Wet Fish Cafe is a cosy little number in West Hampstead that dishes up some half decent Modern European fare.

The Venue
Established in 1917, Wet Fish Cafe was originally a fishmonger but has been transformed into a modern eclectic and intimate establishment. Although the interior is mainly dark due to the wood panelling, floorboards and low lighting, there’s still an intimate atmosphere. Some original features include restored Victorian tiling and ccontemporary chairs which add to the eclectic feel.

The Atmosphere
There is a genteel atmosphere inside and you’re not made to feel in a hurry. There’s a romantic feel in the air and candles light up every table - this is definitely not the place for a singleton. With personable service to boot you feel very much comfortable and ready for a pleasurable night ahead.

The Food
Owned and run by long time West Hampstead residents, the menu changes every few months which reflects a lot of thought and attention to detail in the variety of dishes that are on offer. Starters feature an interesting but light radish consomme with soy and wild mushrooms. The saltiness in the soy is a perfect accompaniment for the mushrooms. There is a fresh seared and peppered mackerel served with mixed green salad and for sea lovers sauteed scallops with caramelized leeks and a tangy lemon butter lasagne.

Mains include spanking fresh yellow fin tuna with pak choi, cashews and egg noodles. The crunchiness of the nuts goes very well with the smooth texture of the fish. There’s a boneless juicy quail with a striking accompaniment of roast peaches, vanilla mash (perfectly scented not to overpower the quail) and Swiss chard.

In keeping with the eclectic menu there’s a sumptuous ginger and syrup cheesecake with a fresh tasting coffee-rum sorbet. The balance between these two highly charged flavours doesn’t detract from the sweet syrup which runs through the cheesecake. Other sweet choices would be to go for a creamy lemon tart served with fresh strawberries or a warm and a divinely soft chocolate cake with red berries and indulgent cream.

The Drink
Wet Fish Cafe has over half a dozen reds and whites which include a fresh and zesty Trebbiano-Garganega and a subtle, smooth and buttery Macon Villages. There are some different beers such as a crisp Pilsner Urquell and even a Peruvian make called Cusquena. Aperitifs are quite varied with fresh mint martini lemonade and the Prosseco with pomegranate nectar is a definite must.

The Last Word
With a great location and a superb eclectic menu to tickle the taste buds, Wet Fish Cafe is a fantastic little find worth thoroughly investigating.

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