It felt like a bit of a trek to the back streets of West London to Fish & Bubbles. That said, upon arrival, it felt like a charming little piece of Italy, possibly in Puglia, as I admired the pictures of trullos with their cone-shaped roofs.
Its neighbour is also Italian, as both Fish & Bubbles and La Mia Mamma are owned by brothers Peppe and Angelo Corsaro.
The Food
The menus are varied, and you can expect its famed fish panino di mare (seafood panini), a traditional Italian Rosetta bun with a crunchy outside and soft inside filled with a twist on the name depending on its contents. Tuna Turner – Cacio e pepe & basil cream, tuna tartare, courgettes, roasted tomatoes, stracciatella and rocket or Polp fiction – Fried octopus, cacio e pepe & basil sauce, lemon & ricotta mousse, courgettes.
Larger plates include Fried swordfish Milanese, octopus salad and Prosecco battered cod.
We went for the aperifish – meter of fried seafood or a two-tier sharing board with a Negroni or glass of Prosecco for £ 18 pp. You can choose to have raw tapas or fried. We sent for the Fritto Misto al Metro, a one-meter wooden sharing board consisting of fried seafood, fish and Italian delicacies. The selection depends on the catch of the day. Ours included flavoursome shell-on prawns, crispy calamari, fish balls and whitebait on a bed of chips, which we washed down with a glass of prosecco.
The food is exceptional, mammoth and all for £18pp.
Though full, I couldn’t resist a further taste of the south, this time Sicily for dessert, opting for the pistachio cannoli, which was also huge and delicious.
Service
The staff add to the charm. It’s a bit like going to a friend or family’s house – down to earth, authentic, warm, relaxed and welcoming.
Price
I couldn’t quite believe it. We had to box up some of the huge platter to take home, yet that and a glass of prosecco all for only £18. The lovely waiter even gave us a cocktail on the house. Delicious value for money that’s much needed in these times. You can go out and treat yourself without breaking the bank.
Overall
Worth the visit. It’s a couple of minutes from Ladbroke Grove station – a taste of Italy at a decent price.
Fish & Bubbles
Address: 192 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES
