8 Treasures

Listen up folks: just opposite Ealing Broadway tube station is a Chinese restaurant called "8 Treasures". Let me tell you, the quality of the food in there is really top drawer. I don't know who it is they've got in the kitchen, but it's as good as any Chinese food I've tasted anywhere in London. But every time I go into the place -- and I've been in maybe half a dozen times in the last few months -- it's virtually empty.

I'm not sure what the problem is, but the previous occupants of that retail unit, Chandler's freehouse, also didn't do much as much trade as might be expected for such a prime location, and eventually had to close their doors.

Anyway, I know times are hard, but please folks, reach for your chopsticks and get going to 8 Treasures for a really special Oriental treat -- the food is gorgeous. Use it, or lose it!

Here's the website:

http://www.8treasures.co.uk/

Pip pip.

Recommendation 02: The Kebab Kid

Ok folks, listen up! As part of my free service on this blog, I like to make an occasional recommendation, and today’s is an especially good one!

Feeling peckish? Then rev up your little vespa and whizz down to New Kings Road. Number 90 to be precise …it’s where you’ll find: “The Kebab Kid”.

That’s right, kebabs. These guys have been making them for years, and they are experts. You’ll find no mechanically extracted cat food in this shop. All the meat is lean and deliciously fresh – straight from Smithfield Market, with no additives or emulsifiers, or any of that kind of stuff. Even better, they make all their own dressings and sauces, and they’re ever so tasty.

The Kebab Kid

Hanging up inside the shop is a personal testimonial from Jamie Oliver, but don’t let that put you off, because this establishment has the ultimate in commendations: it’s where London’s hungry cab drivers go! Sometimes you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a taxi rank, except all the cabbies are sitting in the back, kebabs in hand, munching their way in silence…to cabbie heaven.

But don’t take my word for it – try it yourself. I recommend the chicken shawarma, with all the dressing and chilli sauce. Bootiful.

Question: where’s the best place to buy a decent kebab in the borough of Ealing? (I’m stuck for an answer on this one).

Recommendation 01: The Drury Tea & Coffee Co. Ltd

OK folks, chuck your old freeze dried coffee in the bin -- it's muck! You know it is.

Get yourself a cafetiere, if you don't already have one, and head straight for The Drury Tea & Coffee Co. Ltd. Post haste.

It's at 3 New Row, just off St Martin's Lane, and is the best coffee shop I know in London.

My favourite is the Costa Rica Tarrazu Coffee, but their Moka D'or blend is also delicious.

My spies tell me that the truly wonderful Tom Courtenay (that would be Sir Tom to you lot), was spotted hiding among the teas last Friday. So there you go! Tea, coffee and screen legends. You'll be in good company.