With a round-up Chiswick's finest offerings for this most underrated of meals

It may seem like stating the obvious, but how many of us actually remember that the lunch hour was originally designed for just that – lunch?

A report out this week outlined the dangers of spending hours on end at your desk claiming that it could have a severe effect on your mental and physical health. It made me think of how many times we spend our midday breaks running errands, tapping away at a computer keyboard, or returning personal phone calls?

Well enough is enough and I for one am making a stand - that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!. Therefore, with Chiswick’s mental health at the forefront of my mind, I asked a number of local restaurateurs to share their views on this most underrated of meals.

Starting with Sam's Bar & Brasserie, which was recently voted one of the capital’s top lunch spots, Sam Harrison said, “I have always thought that taking an extended lunch break should be encouraged! Whether extended or not I do think lunch should be taken a little more seriously and we should make time for it. We offer a two course lunch for £11.50 and three courses for £15. Our menu changes daily and so we feel that it encourages people to come and have lunch more than once a week!”

Le Vacherin’s Malcolm John, who recently became the very proud father of twin boys, lets his menu do the talking for him. And with dishes including Cream of Wild Garlic Soup with Smoked Duck, Smoked Pork Sausage from East France, Puy Lentils & New Potatoes or Corse Cornish Mackerel Pate, Toast & Gherkins as starters and Grilled 28 Day Hung Rump Steak, Braised Shallot & Hand Cut Fries, Provence Fish Stew with Seabream, Squid & Aïoli or Oxtail Ravioli & Celeriac Purée to follow, its clear to see why. Two courses £10.95, three courses £15.95.

The Chiswick Moran Hotel recently introduced a lunch buffet in their Napa Restaurant. Competitively priced at two courses for £10 and three courses for £15, the lunch runs from 12.00 – 2.00.

Down at Revolution the enthusiasm for lunch is infectious. As well as offering a £6 menu which includes a meal and a drink, manager Tim Spragge says “We also run a 15 minute promise - where we will deliver your lunch within 15 minutes or it is on us. A great offer for those on a tight time schedule!! And this applies to the whole menu.”

With a stunning garden that’s really come into its own over the past sunny week, The Roebuck offers £5 Lunch Menu entitled “Fast & Fresh, for a Fiver!” and features dishes such as Ham hock & lentil soup with sourdough bread, Mature cheddar & pear chutney sandwich with chips and Rare beef, blue cheese & mixed leaf salad as well as a reasonably priced a la carte menu with dishes including a burger, sausages & mash, fresh fish & vegetarian options.

Fancy leaving the High Road behind for an hour? Then Annie’s down on Strand-on-the-Green would be a good choice. Lorraine Angliss says, “We do a prix fixe lunch menu Monday to Friday. It’s two courses for £13.50 and three courses for £16.50.”

Back on the High Road and to one of my personal favourites which is the inexplicably under patronized Gravy who tell me that “Dining at Gravy just got even better! In addition to our superb food and exceptional service, we are proud to introduce our delicious new food and wine menu, and extended option for our popular two course lunch deal for £10.95.”

A spicy cheaper option can be found Silks and Spice who from Monday to Friday between 12.00 and 3.00pm offer a three course set lunch for £5.30 per person. Or, if you fancy pushing the boat out, a set lunch special (minimum of two people) for £8.50 per person.

Not forgetting Hole in the Wall in Sutton Lane North, Elliot Road’s fabulous Fish Hook, Mow's Bar and Restaurant, I’d say I given you enough food for thought.

Emma Brophy

March 16, 2007