Maldon oysters to start at Faber
So there's a new seafood restaurant in town?
That's right - Faber is a new spot in Hammersmith focusing on sustainably sourced seafood. The folk behind it are Matt Ward and Anthony Pender who also run the seafood-focused pub The Victoria in Mile End. They're joined here by executive chef Ollie Bass who is ex- Quo Vadis and Sessions Arts Club.
Where is it exactly?
You'll find it just minutes away from Hammersmith tube station (it used to be pizza restaurant Villagio) on Hammersmith Road.
What's the space like?
The corner site means it's got plenty of light making it a great spot for lunches (there's a worker's lunch deal during the week for £15). At night it's a buzzing space with plenty of room for larger groups too.
The dining room's a lovely bright space
Is it just seafood on the menu?
While fish and shellfish are definitely the focus here, there are alternatives if you fancy meat or vegetarian options. The key thing is that all the produce is sourced from ethical suppliers, mostly from coastal areas. So the bread is from Cornish-based Coombeshead Farm, the tomatoes are from the Isle of Wight - you get the picture.
Burrata with samphire and dulse crumbs from Car Y Mor in Wales.(£12)
In addition to the menu that you'll find online, there's a blackboard with all the daily specials up on it - which on our visit was mostly based on the catch of the day but also included a veal ragu option.
Here's what we had to give you an idea of what to expect:
Grilled Cornish cod cheek skewers with tartar sauce (£5) - one of their signatures, you should start with this.
Chalkstream trout tartare (£13) - another unmissable signature dish sees Hampshire chalkstream trout prepared three ways; belly and trout caviar lightly marinated in a white soy dressing on a horseradish cream and trout loin sliced sashimi style and finished with nori.
Scottish langoustines (£34) from the specials board, served with a lick-the-plate XO sauce.
Lemon sole (£40) landed in Cornwall and served simply, but perfectly, with garlic butter.
Anything else we need to know?
Yes. Get the chips because they are fabulous.
SUCH good chips. You can thank us later.
Room for desserts?
You're going to need to save room because, out of left field, this seafood restaurant turns out to be serving up one of London's best tarts. We ordered the honey tart below fully expecting it to have been supplied by another London bakery but this slice of joy is made in-house.
Bruleed honey tart with creme fraiche (£12) - as good as it looks, with perfectly thin base and a barely-set feel that elevates it .
What about the drinks list?
The wine list starts with a wholly British section, before being split into coastal and inland European options. Our Sicilian Grill (£38) was delicious and there were plenty under the £40 mark to choose from.
Cocktails are also made using coastal-sourced ingredients. This was the Monksbeard Martini (with Wrecking Coast scurvy gin and samphire) and a sugar kelp Old Fashioned.
Overall thoughts:
Word is already out about how good Faber is and although our servers were stretched on the night by a packed dining room, they coped admirably with the demands. With plans to roll out the concept in other parts of London, you can only hope that your neighbourhood is next.
More about Faber
Where is it? 206 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7DH
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @faberrestaurants
Hot Dinners dined as guests of Faber. Prices correct at time of publication.
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