Shop or scoff at 202 Westbourne Grove

Remember the doomed Fashion Café — a fast-food chain launched by Naomi Campbell and fellow supermodels where you could supposedly enjoy a cheeseburger, while surrounded by screens showing skinny minnies on the catwalk? Only a model could think that was a great idea. However, designer Nicole Farhi has created a truly winning recipe for uniting food and fashion.

The café at 202 — her flagship clothes and interiors store in west London — has long been a favourite for Notting Hill insiders. But you’ve probably never heard of it because it’s only been open for brunch and lunch (like, so New York).
Now, it’s finally open for dinner. And it’s a surprise treat in these belt-tightening times. Heard of the current no-fun trend for "fashionorexia" — cutting out food to afford swanky clothes? It’s officially over.

The first thing that hits you here is the irresistible smell of comfort food. We tucked straight into a massive sharing plate of antipasto, heaped with juicy slices of prosciutto, bresaola and baked ricotta — a meal in itself and a complete steal at £12.50.
We went on to enjoy a healthy but hearty swordfish skewer, with saffron, spiced lentils and tomato-ginger chutney (£14.50), and a super-size £19.95 rib-eye steak with garlic and herb butter: as we all know, a classic never goes out of style.

Lads, don’t be surprised if your date disappears for an unusually long time between courses... she’s gone to check out the lush shop downstairs.
This is the secret ingredient of 202’s success. Can’t afford a £695 dress? You can still afford a £6.95 dessert. And after a worth-every-calorie banoffee pie or a gorgeously jammy summer pudding, who cares? You won’t fit into it anyway.

202
202 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH