After a long walk, cheeks all pinked by the fresh spring air, d. Between town and countryside, you will immediately be seduced by the wooden counter, the dark wood, the brick walls, the homey feeling. Tables for two, other nestled along the windows, bigger one to welcome friends, a leather sofa near the fire, a collection of Penguin books, a selection of 25 wines by the glass. Ideal, right?

On summer days, step out to the terrace to bask in the sun or shade under the huge parasols. At the back is a play area that parents will love – kids having fun in a secure place, a children menu, smoothies and a little bit of peace for you.

If you are after a romantic dinner, choose the conservatory instead. Charming indeed, beautiful patterned wallpaper, a gorgeous light, especially as dusk falls and the first stars start to shine. Candles will be lit up and it will feel like you have a little world of your own.

The Victoria believes, together with skilled cuisine, in the quality of  their ingredient. A page of the menu explains in detail the origin of meat, fish, eggs… but also includes anecdotes, the love for British product. They even use a forager. Recycling is a must too, even cooking oil will help to make bio-fuel.

A look at the starters list and I am very intrigued. If I have already tried Jersey rock oysters, they were always raw, with maybe a drop of tabasco sauce. But those -  and aren’t they pretty too? – have been opened then cooked straight away in the lightest batter you can imagine, encapsulating the sea flavours. amazing. The texture reminds of mussels, more refined, more melt in the mouth. Beautiful presentation in the oyster shell on mushed-spring-peas. There is, in fact, no need for the tartar sauce, each bite is close to perfection. The magic of this restaurant is also the friendly feeling and the possibility to get chatting with complete strangers. And so I couldn’t resist sharing one of those with the next table, one of the guest having been a chef. We dreamt together, him picturing it with a little touch of lime, me nodding and imagining it.

In wines, I am very unfaithful. Malbecs and Malboroughs will always steal my heart, but I like to match wines to my mood as well as the dishes. Tonight called for a cheerful Viognier, a Jean d’Alibert sept saisons. Its peach, pear, apricot notes wrap the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, bring a tonic side to the meal. Crisp and refreshing, it is a lovely choice from aperitif to dessert.

After an extraordinary starter, I prefer a more classical main. And for a froggie, meat is sacred, the cooking must be just perfect, the ultimate test. The Victoria meets the challenge and wins it easily. Such fantastic quality, still a little fat on top, adding to the tenderness, pink a heart, juicy. The green beans have been wrapped in bacon, infused by it. On the slice a spoonful of root vegetable purée and fondant potatoes, crunchy on the outside. So, so comforting. The perfect balance.

Dessert was -  how could I say? Exceptional. A blood orange salad in orange juices, caramel and campari, sprinkled with splendid pistachios. Refreshing, exhilarating. Wait – there is also marmalade, caramel and fresh mint, very unctuous ice cream. And doesn’t it look like a painting, beautiful colour, the red catching the golden of the candle flames? And in your mind, a single word prints in capital letters: WOW. You want this for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Every day. Possibly till the end of your life. Believe me: it is that good.

Fancy enjoying the experience fully, not having to rush back? Well The Victoria offers seven bedrooms too, with all the comfort of a hotel but in a more human size building. I just need to warn you. You will need to step by the kitchens and it is impossible not to stop and get a glimpse. Which means you will stop in your tracks. And no matter how festive your dinner was, appetite will come back.

On this side of the gastropub, the atmosphere is softer, almost zen. Difficult to think that a minute from there, there are laughs and glasses clinking. Decoration is modern but warm, the rooms surprisingly spacious. More than an imposing cupboard, a shelf hides a number of hangers, completed with a separate mirror. Are you here on business? There is a desk, free wifi, everything you need for coffee and tea. The bathroom is small but very well thought, no need for more. We loved the bath products by Percksniff’s, which essential oils just enhance your mood, relaxing you instantly. Happy smells of rosewood and angelica and guarantees you sweet, sweet dreams.

There is something fantastic in waking up so close to Richmond Park. Gives you a fantastic feeling of freedom. Is  it the fresh air? The village touch of the neighbourhood? The promise of green spaces? You are smiling, feeling refreshed. Breakfast is ready in the conservatory. Choose a seat in the sun, get a bowl of cinnamon fruit salad, open the morning papers. Heaven. The orange juice has been freshly pressed, time is on your side, coffee us steaming in your cup. Luxury? Order a croque-monsieur or a croque-madame: “real” bread, loaded with cheese and cream, incredibly rich, the ham excellent. As fantastic as any English breakfast!

Verdict? Ideal for a romantic week-end. The area, the park nearby, the top-class dinner… All that within train reach, no need to travel for hours, no traffic. Oh, if you could make this your home from home for good!

The Victoria
10 West Temple Sheen
London SW14 7RT

Pssst: On April 25th, a very unusual event is taking place at The Victoria in Sheen. ‘Farm to Fork’  is a commonly known expression – but this event really aims to do just that in one place, in one evening. It will feature an enterprising pig farmer from Suffolk with his Dingley Dell Pork, a ‘brace’ of butchers who will show just how to make the most of the amazing range of cuts the wonderful pig offers. And, no less than five top chefs slaving away in the kitchen to produce a pork extravaganza:

* Paul Merrett (of The VIctoria, London)
* Mark Poynton (of Alimentum, Cambridge)
* Paul Foster (of Tuddenham Mill, Newmarket, Suffolk)
* Ross Pike and Madalene Bonvini-Hamil (of The British Larder, Suffolk)
* William Curley (yes the amazing patissier and chocolatier)

All supported by the RSPCA’s farm animal welfare scheme – Freedom Food. Trotters down at 6.30pm. For more info, click here.

That’s art baby:
* Rediscover Picasso at the Tate.
* Add a touch of surrealism with Chihuly.

Take the little ones along:
* Saturday, learn how to make 3D pancakes. It’s free.
* Also on that day, try the apple wassail at Camden’s Natural Reserve.
* The Duck Tour now proposes a James Bond theme.

Love, Love, Love:
* Victoria & Albert, a royal love -  fabulous animations.

Out of the ordinary:
* Saturday, go clue hunting in Shoreditch.
* Or sing at the pub. At the Coach & horses, it has become a tradition every Saturday. They even have a piano.
* Prepare your own potions.
* A little London love.
* See a movie. On a roof. In a theatre made of reclaimed material form the olympic park.
* Camelias are in bloom at the Chiswick House – gorgeous!

That’s art, baby!
* Knitting obsession.
* Step back in David Lynch‘s world.
* Redefine art.
* A poetic page.

Yummy time ahead:
* A special one for meat lovers.
* A suivre, donc! Try Pierre Hermé‘s new macaron: Jardin enchanté (Enchanted garden). Lime cream, a heart of cherries, a touch of Espelette chilli to wake up the tastebuds. There will be a different edition on the garden theme every month – do not miss any!

Love, love, love:
* Add some glitter with Tatty Devine on Thursday.
* 50 romantic ideas in London.

Take the little ones along:
* Get those roller skates out and spend a disco time with the family.
* Re-celebrate the Chinese New year.
* The Somerset House too has craft workshops for kids this week-end

Royal London:
* Discover Queen Elisabeth II’s life through Cecil Beaton’s pictures of her. At the V&A until April 22, 2012.

So British:
* The best pubs in London? Click this way. Cheers.
* This week-end, your pint could also be rock’n'roll.

Out of the ordinary:
* Daniel Radcliffe fan? Meet him Thursday evening.
* Walk through Dickens‘ world (free, no need to book)
* Street art gets colourful with Jimmy C.
* London plays the high tech card (yeah, it seems we have a budget for that)
* Saturday, see the best slices of Bollywood movies.
* Meet the London clowns and tip your hat to Grimaldi.
* Follow the street art. Litterally.
* Tropical extravagance at Kew Gardens.
* After the Chinese New Year, the Russian one. This will be on Sunday and on Trafalgar.
* Snowdrops are already blooming at the Chelsea Physics Garden.

That’s art, baby:
* Facebook inspires street art.
* Rainbow of colours with David Hockney.
* 21st century art: 3D printing.

So British:
* Become a cricket fan.

Sing it:
* Keep a coin for the juke box.

Take the little ones along:
* Street art: follow Stik around.
* Sunday, robotic camera workshop.
* In honour of the musical Mathilda, Roald dahl fans will not resist the stupendous afternoon tea.

Yummy time ahead:
* Hate detoxing? Oh but it can be quite fun at The Botanist et au Chiswell Street Dining Room.  Until February 12, you can sip  on Lemon Aid (white tea sirup and apricot infused gin), de Green Business (vodka, cucumber, basil, spirulina) et Hazy Days (gin, green apple liqueur, fresh ginger, goji berries). We promise those are filled with good things for you!

Out of the ordinary:
* This Thursday evening small is beautiful and fun at the Wellcome Collection.
* Still on Thursday, stop at the Imperial War Museum for a free movie.
* Nostalgic touch -  see a silent movie at the Barbican.
* Note the London tips of the fantastic Luiz Hara.
* Galop at the O2.
* You might think it is Halloween with this coffin exhibition.
* Discover Three Mills Island.
* The Take-away shop proposes to share… anything from anedotes to skills vis London histories and craft. I tip my hat to that.

That’s art, baby:
* Pretend you are Mime Marceau.
* This ice-sculpting festival should be pretty cool.
* Let’s be serious – Sky News and the Somerset House have put together an impressive collection of pictures.
* A colorful and fun exhibition that should delight curious minds -  at the London Transport Museum.
* find your luck at the Wellcome Collection.
* Love the glass sculpture at the entrance of the V&A? Why not go and see what else the artist can do?
* And from the first floor of your double decker…

So British:
* Warm up in front of a lovely chimney fire in a pub.
* Or listen to classic albums there.
* Or enjoy a traditional treat.
* Get to know everything about gin with this craze walk.

Take the little ones along:
* And rediscover Quentin Blake.

Yummy time ahead:
* Cheers to you!
* Dine in a cinema.
* Fancy a squirrel pie?

Out of the ordinary:
* Take those ice-skating shoes and dance.
* White your thank you cards at Tatty devine.
* Lord of the rings will take you through the night.
* Sing a cappella.
* Sip a drink in a tipi on a London roof. You read that right.
* Try this Pay what you want guided walk.
* And now, you can even personnalise your soup tin.

The Nag’s Head (53 Kinnerton St,  London SW1X 8ED) – a tiny pub hidden in the streets of Belgravia – still uses them. No tourist here, just locals, two chimneys to warm up in winter, a classical list of drinks but fascinating memorabilia all around that are worth stopping for. Mobile phones are firmly forbidden, leaving space for conversation, a soothing lulling song around you.

The Avalon had the atmosphere of a legend book – as if still asleep, ready to be awaken by a magic wand. The glass roofs brought a powdered light in, filtered by the steampunk inspired chandeliers. On the walls, the aniseed wallpaper was tempered with cream tiles. All was soothing to the gaze. Wood, leather, copper – very Parisian bistrot with its succession of small tables, its comfortable banquettes yet with an uncomparable British elegance to it. It makes you feel like being a regular there, always sitting at the same table, the waiter knowing your name…

Look around – on the walls are articles, anecdotes, games, illustrations from newspapers of the beginning of the century, when drawings were the best alternative to photography. A great way to feed conversation.

Closer to the bar, decoration is more baroque and colourful. Easy to picture yourself reinventing the world with a pint or a whisky (if you are a fan – nice selection of Japanese ones!).

And when summer days will be back, a garden awaits you at the back, ivy and bamboo, teck furniture, view on the nearby church. Suddenly, London feels miles away…

But come back to the table – our starter has just arrived. Delicate but rich slices of smoked salmon (£6.75) enhanced with stronger notes of shallots and pickled capers – those have been chopped to release their full flavour as soon as they touch your tastebuds. The Lambs’ lettuce brings a lovely peppery touch and the cream is infused with horseradish. Refreshing and suddenly very powerful: a wonderful idea I will try to recreate at home.

The wine menu is cleverly thought. Rather than boring you with a list of names and grapes, it is organised by quality: Floral & aromatic, Zesty, citrus & lively… This way, you can match your wine to your dish of choice as well as your mood. Indulge in a glass of Mud House, a New-Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (Malborough). A cheerful drink, a little oak and lovely lime aroma that re-energises you straight away.

If you consider vegetarian cuisine to be dull and bland -  think again. The Avalon has created an amazing combination of courgette and aubergine (£11) stuffed with tender lentils, a little rosemary and topped with melted mozzarella. A mouthful will just make you forget about meat. Gorgeous, just gorgeous. Add a little pureed roasted peppers, sweet and exploding in flavour or the sauteed Chinese cabbage. A beautiful range of colours and textures, very filling too. Your 5 a day in a single plate.

A seasonal dessert felt like a must, why not the apple and plum crumble (£5.50)? Just thinking of it makes you feel like being in front of a chimney fire. This one offers a rich buttery topping, nice and crunchy. Underneath are whole pieces of fruit, tinted pink by the plum, rather than just compote. On top is a huge scoop of stem ginger ice-cream, very dense so that it will only melt slowly and give you plenty of time to enjoy the marriage of the three layers. A dessert that makes you love autumn. Try it with a fresh mint (£1.50) rather than a tea -  much more aromatic.

You will also find tables on the outside terrace – well, you might as well enjoy every ray of sunshine! The team has some blankets ready if you find it a little too chilly, just ask. This is a child friendly address too with a dedicated menu – a lovely place to come with the family on Sundays.

The Avalon belongs to the Renaissance pubs (Remember we had tried and loved The Rosendale). The name is well deserved  and moves away from pubs heavy with tacky decorations or sticky tables. This is a true gastropub, with the perfect balance between elegant decoration and fine food, no showing off, just a real, pleasant atmosphere. You can let go of the daily stress here and truly relax.

The Avalon
16 Balham Hill
South Clapham (A mere 5mn walk from the Tube, same street, just turn left)
London, SW12 9EB

* Hop, pop-corn and movie on Trafalgar. Do bring a blanket.

* American Apparel is sure to make you sprint towards your new wardrobe with prices starting from £1…

* Go an extraordinary banquet.

* American football fan? Stop at Trafalgar Square and cheer.

* Look out for pub cats.

* Try this photo challenge alonge the Thames.

* Marvel at the multitude of artistic travels and installation that make the Bloomsbury festival.

* Celebrate Diwali -  particularly at Dishoom with their family activities on Saturday!

* See London unroll in front of you in digital.

* Add a spoonful of sweetness to your life with this London honey made on Bermondsey street. Chérie City had a chance to taste it.

* One apple a day… Oh well, make it plenty of apples in one day at the Borough Market.

* Pop-ups are not dead. They just turned into vampires…

* A cash machine speaking cockney? Yes! On Roman Road. Brilliant.

* The National Portrait Gallery plays the sexy card.

* Prepare your anecdotes for Halloween.

* Gold stars to be awarded for those preferring walking to public transports?

* Looking for a cute present? One can never tire of the Biscuiteers seasonal shortbreads – have a look!

*

Inside, there are two atmospheres to choose from -  the inviting leather sofas close to the bar or a few steps up the gastropub side, more meal oriented. Large windows bathe the room in natural, golden light. The wallpaper was created from hundreds of pictures from yesteryear and I guarantee you will find yourself wandering around to get a closer look and might even realise your dish had arrived a few minutes ago without you noticing. Here and there frames show past publicities and engravings. Your gaze will inevitably be drawn to the chimney with its collection of rainbow-like butterflies. Recently refurbished, its decoration finds inspiration in the past -  both a simple and complex comfortable feeling and it will feed conversations for quite a while.

Step outside -  the summer garden surrounds the building, teak tables and benches under red parasols. We love that it is kid friendly with a play area at the back, a plastic house and floor puzzles. The locals know it well and come to enjoy a quiet family time there. The children menu offers a nice selection of dishes (always nice to see more than pasta!) and dessert even includes fairycakes to be decorated with chocolate buttons and hundreds and thousands -  a real hit with little ones. On a sunny day, it is ydillic and you could easily stay from lunch to dinner. Although you might want to go for a stroll in West Dulwich to burn a few calories in between!

I originally visited during the week and was seduced at how peaceful it was. There were a few other guests near my table but no one rushed, it had this take-your-time feeling to it. I nestled close to a window to enjoy a ray of sunshine while escaping the autumn breeze. Rather than proposing pages of choices, the menu focuses on 13 options, all cooked to perfection (yes, I spied the other tables’ orders). Why not try the Moroccan chicken skewers (£8)? The tabouleh was moist and fragrant, beautiful texture with shallots, tomatoes, coriander. The meat was marinated in hot paprika, each mouthful yummier than the precedent. And what a great idea to have added saffron and cumin to the raita, such a different note! The sauce was generous too -  enough to wrap the chicken in and flavour the tabouleh. Add a plate of olives and you might pretend you are on holiday.

Another nice suprise – the pub has a selection of Meantime beers. My favourite micro-brewery. Their London Lager just goes with any kind of food – give it a try!

Now - I never, ever resist an Eton Mess. There is something so sweet about it. This one is succulent with a home made fruit syrup and gorgeous raspberries whithin each spoonful. Needless to say it disappeared in no time…

Such a relaxing atmosphere that I took my family back there on Sunday. The kids were so busy playing with others that we barely saw them -  if you are a parent, you know how precious this is. We devoured huge hamburgers with a touch of spicy salsa, nibbled on home made chips that make you forget what ketchup is. The sky turned slowly pink above us and my 5-year-old daughter had the perfect conclusion “Can we come back here soom? It’s soooo great!”.

The Rosendale (part of The Renaissance group, more beautiful places to discover)
65 Rosendale Rd
West Dulwich SE21 8EZ

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of The Rosendale

If you do not have any plans for the week-end, you can find inspiration below:

* Friday is tango time at the V&A.

* Be a mad (but fun) scientist this way.

* Try a gourmet safari on Regent Street.

* Have an afternoon tea at Café Luc. Or breakfast. Or lunch. Or dinner.Their steak tartare are the most tender is the whole of London.

* Climb up the Monument in the most musical way.

* See the foundry which made Big Ben.

* Rediscover Spitafields. And do go and see this amazing synagogue, built by Huguenots and just reopened. Gorgeous.

* Gordon Ramsay goes the extra size.

* Sing along at the pub.

* Get your shoes tattooed.