Fernandez & Leluu: Delightful, delicious, Dolphin-friendly eating

I finally went to my first supper club. Fernandez and Leluu. So good. One dish after another until I’d lost count. Most of them were for sharing which made it even more sociable. Sashimi and chips was a winner, as was the incredibly soft and slightly sweet miso aubergine, oh and the chunky chorizo with melt in the mouth roasted sweet potato, and the neon beetroot dip with crisp, warm turkish bread, and oh god the trout with massive prawn nestling beside it in a clear broth. The chilli, lime and chocolate mousse finished off a perfect meal. And not too full either, so managed to still be quite awake. 

I must admit, excited as I was about going to F&L, when I first walked in to the house I felt a bit dirty, like a kerb crawler or something. Then we were sat alone at a table for four, two empty chairs waiting for the random couple that would be our dinner companions for the evening. Our evening at their mercy. But they turned out to be lovely. Both solicitors, and so unbelievably overworked they made us feel better about our own lives. Although it has to be said that they’ll be the ones with enough money to retire at 35 and open a pilates school in Mauritius. So maybe I shouldn’t feel too sorry for them. Of course, wine helps too and the more it went in, the more noise in the room. The crowd was more of a mix than I thought it would be, with a girls night out, a birthday party, more couples and groups of male friends... 

Afterwards, we sat outside under a massive umbrella in the rain chatting to the charming Simon and Uyen, mostly asking ‘but why?’ The answer turned out to be pretty much ‘why not?’ A very interesting and inspiring pair. Uyen had huge success with a film some time ago, and runs a boutique just off Carnaby Street, and seems to be capable of being a success at anything. More red wine later and we went out to The Dolphin pub around the corner. I live on Mare Street (no, I’m not sure why) and have passed by The Dolphin many times but have never gone in, let alone tumbled out at five in the morning. Had a fab night. That (irritating to some, attractive to others) Hackney mix of arty blow-ins and proper down-to-earth locals, mixed with pool table, Coronas, cobwebby loos and DJ. It was some oily guy in a sailor hat’s party and he was partying like it was 1994. And so did we.

Looking forward to the next one now. Since it’s only down the road will save a few pennies and go back there sometime. Also have my eye on Saltoun Supper Club. Yes, now I remember why it is I live in London.