Charlotte's Place

A long-standing feature on Ealing’s culinary map, Charlotte’s Place has the advantage of overlooking all the goings-on on the Common, from dog walking to ball games. With clean pale walls & dark tables, it’s an attractive place that draws in local residents & hungry refugees from the nearby film studios. The small ground floor is constantly busy, especially when the slightly larger basement is given over to private parties. Classic dishes inform the menu & are well executed by an ambitious kitchen. A scallop ceviche was complemented by a sharp apple & herb salad & a light aioli; a crayfish salad with celeriac remoulade had added texture from crunchy potato chips, & a perfectly timed rib-eye Rossini was presented with flourish. There’s a decent wine list with plenty under £20, & service is just right. Downsides are the slightly over-ambitious puds & the lack of a bar, although there’s a perfectly nice pub next door.