thefoodpeople loves - our favourite places to eat and drink, August 2018

We're back with thefoodpeople loves... Insight once a month into where we like to go, what we like to eat, the places where we like to drink, and more.

The second in the series is August's pick of 10 top places to eat and drink, as selected by thefoodpeople team. In no particular order ...

Farang, London

Lizzie says:

"Just around the corner from where I live, which is quite dangerous… The food is so full of flavour, fresh and just the right levels of spice.The braised beef cheek curry with mustard greens and pickled ginger is one of the best dishes, if I had to choose just one! The beef cheek just melts in your mouth, as it has been marinated then slow cooked for 6 hours in the old pizza oven, then cooked in with the rich coconut and spicy sauce. Delicious!"

http://www.faranglondon.co.uk/

@farangldn

Bird & Carter, Wilton, Wiltshire

Charlotte says:

"It's a farm shop meets cafe. Nothing beats the classic ploughman's, with a roasted turmeric cauliflower and spelt salad, and delicious ham straight from their farm."

http://birdandcarter.co.uk/

Baroushka, Salisbury

Kate says:

"Attentive service and authentic Lebanese cuisine makes for a sublime meal! The cocktails aren't bad either"

http://www.baroushka.com

Dominique Ansel Bakery, London

Sarah says:

"So much to choose from, even for a coeliac! Beautifully presented cakes and pastries with an element of fun as well. The Eton mess lunchbox is inspired by the traditional Korean lunchboxes, where different ingredients are shaken up. Great fun for the whole table to shake but with even more surprises inside as some of the strawberries are actually mousse! The Liquid Caramel Peanut Butter Mousse Cake was completely delicious, caramel cremeux, peanut butter mousse and caramelized puffed rice."

http://dominiqueansellondon.com

@dominiqueansellondon

The River Exe café, Devon

Charles says:

"What could be more amazing that a floating restaurant?... A floating restaurant with great food! The River Exe café serves delicious family food, it's all fresh and seasonal and their sharing plates of mussels, roasted fish or paella are particularly good. Also, who doesn't love a boat ride for lunch and the continually changing view that is a tidal estuary. What's lovely is when you book they organise the water taxi as well, which is complete with a blanket for your knees and menus to whet your appetite"

http://www.riverexecafe.com

The Mariners Rock, Cornwall

Kirsty says:

"No view is more beautiful than overlooking the estuary at The Mariner's Rock, Cornwall. All meat and vegetables are sourced locally and they're only a stone's throw away to catch the most delicious fish! Serving traditional desserts such as sticky toffee pudding and chocolate and orange tart too, it's the perfect balance between skill, quality and home comforts"

https://nathan-outlaw.com/restaurants/mariners-rock/

@marinersinrock

Megan's, Balham, London

Abbey says:

"Beautifully decorated, with a great veggie brunch offering (which includes halloumi and shakshouka), and extra welcoming to four-legged friends, meaning there is always puppies to cuddle whilst you eat!"

https://megans.co.uk/best-restaurants-balham/

@megansrestaurants

La Courtille de Solutré, Solutre Pouilly, France.

Scott says:

"We found this restaurant by accident… Sitting under the famous La Roche de Solutre, this restaurant sits in the middle of the famous Pouilly - Fuisse wine region of Sothern Burgundy. The terrace overlooks vineyards full of chardonnay and draws much of its inspiration for the flavours of the region. This is Burgundy, so beef from the majestic white Charlois breed is on almost every menu, the tartare was exquisite. Local Ham with a simple salad of green beans and mustard seed was another simple classic, and a chilled bowl of courgette gazpacho was treat in the 30 degree heat. All of this was washed down with wine made, "just over there"."

http://www.lacourtilledesolutre.fr

Cora Pearl , London

Olivia says:

"The cosy, plush décor of velvet upholstery, parquet flooring, marble, mirrored walls and vintage finds gives you a comforting hug before you even order anything. The comforting hugs just keep coming with the food to – the cheese & ham toastie was declared as the best thing the table had eaten all year and the fat, crispy, fluffy chips are just love in a bowl."

http://www.corapearl.co.uk/

@ corapearlcg

East Pier Smokehouse, St Monans, Fife

Tom says:

"Set in rural Scotland right on an open fishing port, this small but mighty smokehouse serves up seafood and shellfish straight off the fishing boats. A specials list longer than the daily menu shows how fresh and varied the dishes are. The whole smoked seabass was my choice, and the Sardines were a big hit too. But it's not just the food that sets the venue apart - the narrow building cuts out into the sea, overhanging the water and you can sit outside and watch the days boats coming in and out of the harbour ... that's once you've queued to get in a find a rare table in the homely setting."

http://eastpier.co.uk