What They Say
A sustainable seafood restaurant serving the very best from British shores. The team takes pride in supporting the local coastal economy, ethical sourcing and appreciating those who land fish in tough conditions.
Fanatical about ingredients, Faber’s menu evolves according to what the fishing fleets bring in. The dishes may change at the drop of a hat if storms brew along coast lines or if stocks haven’t migrated or established at certain times of year.
To Eat
I’m catching up with my friend Joseph for the first time in yonks, so we chat for about the length of an England game before ordering. However, despite our leisurely approach to making decisions, the waiters remain relaxed.
With a choice of small plates on the menu and “proper plates” on the specials board, Joseph chooses a proper main of fish and chips. His verdict is: “It’s fine. If I went again I’d choose something else, but it was nice to try it.”
I opt for the small plates, including the smoked haddock croquettes which Joseph especially liked, the mussels with golden beetroot and lemon thyme (which look like little works of art) and the crab with mushrooms and potato terrine – which I loved.
The crab was a menu change from the lobster and the potato terrine was like the best dauphinoise you can imagine – disguised as massive chunky chips – delicious and my favourite dish… until we got to dessert.
I chose the honey tart with creme fraiche and a pastry so perfect it should be illegal. Joseph chose the sticky toffee pudding with Jersey cream, and a bite was enough for me to agree… it was gorgeous.
To Drink
We ask our waitress for a white wine recommendation and she suggests the Lychgate Bacchus from the Sussex based Bolney Wine Estate. Joseph comments that it’s at the sweeter end, but we both enjoy it. I would drink it again, and I quite liked the informality of keeping it in a cooler on the table so we could top ourselves up. As a compulsive water drinker, I am pleased they keep the water coming, in decent sized refillable glass bottles.
The dessert menu includes an’ After Dinner Drinks’ section featuring an ‘Espresso Martini’ and a ‘Sugar Kelp Old Fashioned’.
An ‘Old Fashioned’ is certainly my weakness. I shouldn’t drink them because the sugar keeps me awake, but I adore them and Faber’s are made with Rye Whiskey from Cornwall’s Wrecking Coast Distillery. Joseph, who enjoyed an Espresso Martini, notes that there’s a good balance between the coffee and the hard stuff.
The Crowd
The place is busy for a Monday, I notice that pretty much every table is taken. My favourite fellow diner – aside from my guest – is a Pomsky called Asher. The Pomeranian x Husky crossbreed has been good as gold throughout the family meal and I don’t even realise she’s there until I walk past their table.
The Style
It’s a sunny summer’s evening so we’re happy to find that this light, airy restaurant allows us to makes the most of the longer daylight hours. Joseph notes that the high ceilings, light colours and large windows all contribute to the summery feel that’s a perfect match for the seafood.
In a Nutshell
Dog-friendly with dangerous desserts and a relaxed atmosphere, Faber is just a few minutes walk from Hammersmith tube station.
The Details
www.faberrestaurants.co.uk
206 – 208 Hammersmith Rd, London W6 7DH
