Electric restaurant
Electric Brasserie is 'busy, buzzy and the perfect spot for watching the chic boho set'

Electric Brasserie

Open Mon–Wed 8am–midnight; Thu–Sat 8am–1am; Sun 8am–11pm

Portobello Road stalwart Electric Brasserie was the first restaurant I visited in Notting Hill. Our tenuous excuse for our review visit is that executive chef Paul Witherington started at the end of last year, introducing some classic brasserie dishes alongside The Electric favourites (such as its famous cheeseburger).

Busy, buzzy and the perfect spot for watching the chic boho set, we were lucky enough to bag a table on the front terrace during our visit. Inside, conversation can be difficult with the noise levels of the bar and open kitchen – the worst tables run along the wall closest to the kitchen where I’ve previously left scented with chip fat smoke. At the rear is the main dining room lined with a maroon leather banquette and mirrors; globe lights and a chandelier give the room a classic Art Deco feel.

Fortunately Paul Witherington hasn’t messed about with the simple menu. We picked hummus (seasoned with sumac) with flatbread and crispy squid with aioli (both £5 each) – the hummus and aioli were clearly homemade and the squid was light with a lovely wheaty batter. My fresh Jerusalem artichoke, golden raisin and hazelnut salad (£7/£11) had a punchy dressing, while my friend’s sole, cockles and spinach (they were out of monk’s beard; £17.50) was satisfyingly flavoursome. The portion of rhubarb and apple crumble was huge – and hit the spot – as did the tropical fruit and mango sorbet (both £6.50 each). Service is friendly, if a little hit and miss (our requested side plates were forgotten) and honest (the house rose wasn’t recommended). This is a wholesome, unpretentious and well-priced restaurant which is why I keep going back.

Electric Brasserie, 191 Portobello Road, London, W11; www.the-electric.co.uk; 020 7908 9696

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