Tucking in down on the farm
Farm W5 on Ealing Green has long been a favourite of good food lovers, ever since Tom Beeston first set up his shop for quality local produce down by St Mary's Church, and used to extol the virtues of British cheeses to anyone who took an interest.
So when Tom announced that he was moving on, there were flurries of concern among the cheeserati - would he sell on to someone who would sell out? Would As Nature
Intended be left as rulers of the organic roost?
The good news is that Farm W5 remains a wholesome and attractive place. Yes, it has changed, with more emphasis now the cafe side of the business and less space for food.
However, you can still get the Wigmore, fresh bread and organic home-made cakes, plus a variety of good deli products. The new owners have kept the rustic look, with beautiful stone floor and whitewashed brickwork reminiscent of an old dairy. A cheery radio station was playing softly in the background, creating an easy mood. The cafe is slightly off the main drag of the town centre, but the benefit of a fine outlook over the Green makes the two minute detour worth it.
As for the food, I had one of the best flat-bread pittas stuffed with crispy salad, felafel and humous for £3..95 that I've had in years. You certainly won't need much else for a few hours after that. On another visit, I hestitated over paying £2.00 for a little square of chocolate brownie. Next time I wouldn't think twice - it was richly chocolatey and had that combination of heaviness underneath and vaguely sugary top that all the best brownies should have - perfection. Not a particularly cheap place compared to other sandwich shops, but worth lingering in.
Caroline Cabraal
March 3, 2007
|