Local Friends

Local Friends is something of a rarity in suburban dim sum circles – most outfits have a 2.30pm cut-off point, but here you can feast on the full menu all day long. A canny move, as this unassuming site has been trading for years & has retained a loyal fan base of well-to-do Chinese & Hampstead locals. The cosy interior is unremarkable & slightly old-fashioned, but its suits the neighbourhood & doesn’t detract from big attraction – mainstream Cantonese fare done well. Try handmade king prawn cheung fun, har gau or Shanghai dumplings, supplemented with ‘above average’ main-course options of sweet & sour chicken or crispy chilli beef. You can tell the regulars by their rapport with the friendly staff, but first-timers are just as warmly welcomed.