Dining Club

Dining Club meets bi-monthly on Thursday evenings exploring restaurants in NW London

Next meal: Thursday 28th March at 7.00pm – Côte Brasserie, 83-84 Hampstead High Street

What better way to celebrate the official arrival of Spring, than to enjoy a delicious French meal with friends; a comforting familiar dish or something new? A Starter or perhaps a Sweet? Oh why not both! Vegetarian dishes are available. Côte Brasserie is on Hampstead High Street by the north-west end of Greenhill road and a short walk from Hampstead tube station.

Further details from Desi and on Dining Club WhatsApp


Dining Club has breakfast! – Thursday 18th April at 9.30am

Breakfast in the Sky Garden (meeting at Monument Underground Station) Some think the best views of London are from the Sky Garden, in the ‘Walker-Talkie’ building. We’ll be having a relaxing breakfast in the Darwin Brasserie on the 36th floor. The spectacular 360-degree panoramic views can be enjoyed briefly before breakfast, with plenty of time afterwards. Limited spaces, so contact Desi via WhatsApp if you’d like to join us.

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Past meals

Thursday 25th January 2024 – Vijay South Indian Restaurant, Willesden Lane

Our dining club coincided with Burns’ Night, which is all about being with friends, so this was an “East meets West” evening, when 15 of us enjoyed a delicious array of South Indian dishes. Desi made it an extra special evening by compiling a Scottish quiz for us to do while waiting for the food to arrive, and then after our exotic dinner, she magicked-up a wee dram of a Highland liqueur for those partaking and some scrumptious handmade Scottish berry chocolates! An unusual combination, but thanks to the lovely understanding staff at Vijay, it was extremely enjoyable – suffice to say “May your days be free from sorrow, and your friends be ever near.”

Thursday 23 November – Pizza Pilgrims, Lonsdale Road

For our last dinner of 2023, we had fun at Pizza Pilgrims, the new Neopolitan pizzeria on Lonsdale Road where we were well looked-after by the friendly staff. Catherine and Frances kicked off the evening by treating us all to the unusual tasty Crispy Spaghetti Balls; we then got Christmas under way by pulling our charity eco-crackers, before enjoying a colourful, delicious mix of pizzas. And the evening finished with more wine, Tiramisu and their amazingly yummy Nutella Pizza Ring with Ice-cream. We are all so grateful to Desi for organising us so well throughout the year and for her generous gift of wine and crackers. Looking forward to some more exciting meals in 2024!

Thursday 28 September – Canaletes, Willesden Lane

At this popular local eaterie, it was a fun last-of-the-summer evening. We enjoyed an array of colourful, delicious dishes, which included Calamares, Garlic Prawns, Chorizo, Chickpeas, Garlic Chicken, Paellas, and the most popular dish ordered: Tortilla; accompanied by wine and a jug of Sangria. And the evening ended with a Spanish dessert, coffees and Lemon Turkish Delight.

Thursday 27 July – The Ivy Café, St John’s Wood High Street

With so many members saying “I love The Ivy”, it was inevitable we’d end up here some time; and with some away/busy, it gave us the opportunity to book the maximum number allowed. Roll on The Ivy experience … lovely décor, the restaurant was buzzing, we were well looked after by two nice young men, so we soaked in the ambiance and enjoyed a variety of delicious dishes – including the divine Cheese Soufflé and Chocolate Caramel Truffles – what a treat!


Thursday 25 May – Café Laville, Maida Vale

Members, looking radiant in summer-ish attire, enjoyed an ‘Italian evening’ at this light and airy venue, right on the Regent’s Canal; exchanging waves and cheering with passing canal boats. Dishes included pizzas, king prawn, crab, squid and meat pastas, and the evening finished with coffees, tiramisu and the magnificent millefoglie!

Thursday 23 March – Zin, Kensal Rise

Another good turnout for this newly opened restaurant in Kensal Rise. We enjoyed a tasty mixture of modern Moroccan food (and cocktails!), and despite a powercut which meant a couple of dishes suffered, we were very well looked after. Candles immediately appeared everywhere, creating a warm ambiance, and we finished with an Easter treat of chocolate eggs. Thanks again Desi, for organising another lovely evening!


Thursday 26 January – SUDO, Queen’s Park

Sixteen of us enjoyed a delicious Malaysian meal at SUDO, choosing a wide variety of dishes although not all braving the very hot and spicy chilli options! Many thanks to Desi for organising such a lovely evening.


Thursday 24 November – Spice 6, Station Parade

There was quite a Christmassy-party vibe to the evening as a record 18 members enjoyed a wide variety of curries and delicacies at Spice 6. Many thanks to Desi for organising, having taken over from Rebecca as Dining Club rep. And many thanks for Rebecca for organising so many memorable meals in the past months and years!


Thursday 27 September – Ravel’s Bistro, Fleet Road NW3


Rebecca excelled herself again, finding a perfect venue for dining club in Ravel’s Bistro, where twelve of us were treated to some truly delicious french cuisine. A good time was had by all!


Thursday 4 August – Crocker’s Folly, St John’s Wood

A record sixteen members enjoyed a delicious Lebanese meal at Crocker’s Folly, surrounded by marble and chandeliers!


Wednesday 18th May – Spasso, Walm Lane

Thirteen of us enjoyed a wonderful evening at Spasso – highly recommended!


Thursday 31 March – Dhaba@49 on Chippenham Road

We had a wonderful evening at Dhaba@49 and everyone enjoyed a wide range of Indian dishes, some familiar and some new!


Previously visited:  Morso, British Fish & Chips, Tapas, Greek, Brazilian, Eritrean, Vietnamese, Persian, Polish, South Indian, Thai, Tunisian, Lebanese, Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, Afghani, Puglian.