With two award-winning neighbourhood restaurants already under his belt, Ealing native and Charlotte’s head honcho Alex Wrethman is obviously a man with a very good plan. Like the local Charlotte’s Place and Charlotte’s Bistro in Chiswick, newbie Charlotte’s W5 is an exceptional restaurant – and not just because it’s tucked away in an area of London that, if you’re not a local, you’d only visit if you nodded off on the westbound District Line.
In a Victorian stable block conversion with razor-sharp decor, an airy terrace bar and mod-cons (they don’t take cash), this classy all-day spot has got a whiff of the airs you’d get at a Michelin-endorsed establishment. But nothing’s snobby: not the warm and welcoming staff, not the middle-aged guests, not the cocktails (shout out to the Beet Roots Manuva). Not even the food menu, which has flipped the three-course format.
Elegant and creative British and European dishes come in three reasonably-priced sharing sizes – taster, small or large (and FYI, the tasters are adorable). Our favourites were crispy truffle arancini with a creamy dip of artichoke purée, a fleshy cured salmon, and a crisp and crunchy chicory and citrus salad with a wonderful tangy blue cheese sauce. Meat offerings such as the fatty lamb breast or the flat-tasting guinea fowl weren’t nearly as accomplished. But the desserts? Amazing. We ended up with three out of the six on the menu, including glorious dollops of chocolate mousse and yolk ice cream.
So it’s three cheers for Charlotte’s W5. The different-sized plates concept is fab, and it’s a fine, homely establishment that’s a great look for Ealing. If you’re not a local, it’s definitely worth the trek.