Appetite Direct

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

Most of Appetite Direct’s business is outside catering, from small private dinners to weddings and gallery openings, and their shop is no run-of-the mill deli. Every day their small kitchen produces several curries, quiches, interesting seasonal veg and salads, a daily pizza, roast with all the trimmings, as well as stacks of sandwiches and wraps. Curries such as a rendang-style beef cooked in coconut milk with fresh lemongrass are ideal for takeaway with rice thrown in, and a gentle mushroom Stroganov is also good, mixing juicy button and chestnut mushrooms with dried porcini for depth. Sides such as roasted root vegetables or tender broccoli are cooked with care, and a chocolate brownie stands in well for pud. The deli counter has recently expanded to offer more artisan cheeses, charcuterie, olives, fresh loaves, smoked salmon and wine, while careful local sourcing is an important part of the Appetite Direct ethos. Collection of pre-prepared orders for parties is now also offered, with meals prepared in customers' own pots if desired.