Hemsley + Hemsley

I've been to this restaurant a ridiculous amount.. it is REALLY good. yes, it's a bit expensive, but it's great for gluten, free (its completely gluten free), dairy free (everything is available dairy free) diners. All the meat is substanably sourced and is ethically reared. I don't feel gross when I eat there - even when I have deserts or (my fav) their matcha tea.. which I LOVE because it is made with maple syrup (maybe not good for hardcore matcha drinkers). The courgette 'pasta' and salmon/haddock cakes are particularly good.. the paradise bar is to DIE FOR. <3

My friend is celiac and we had been scouring London for food that was safe and delicious. I was skeptical at first, since this is inside Selfridges, but it was so nice! The styling is cute, and despite it being small we didn't feel rushed to get in and out quickly. I had the beet risotto and she had the crab cake. Their selection of teas is also very respectable.

The service has to make a lot of improvements. The blond lady serving us did not really speak good English - she looked like a manager in her nice jacket but her serving skills have to improve. She was not very nice and looked at us a bit strangely and did not feel like she was all that helpful. I had special request and she made a big deal out of it and it made me feel uncomfortable. The food was decent.

The chestnut crepes with coconut cream are a standout. We went back to have them again. The coffee and tea are excellent, and our entrées were also good. They are one of the only places in London that serves a GF afternoon tea. I have coeliac disease and am very sensitive, and they did not make me sick.

The Hemsley Café offers a special delight for those with a foodie passion and interest in wellness. However these are absolutely not prerequisites to enjoy eating there. If you *do* admire the Hemsley + Hemsley approach to wellness and food then the café menu and café appear to be a fantastic way to experience their food ideas brought to life. During both my visits the staff have been very friendly and welcoming and appeared to be happy in the environment – something that really helps put a diner at ease. One staff member in particular – Andrew – was absolutely fantastic at responding to my enquiries about some of the dishes and also splitting the bill for the small group I ate with. Water was served and kept topped up continuously so there was no need, as in many restaurants and cafes, to buy bottles for the table. I would like this to be a feature of more venues. A real surprise hit for me and a fellow diner was the hot chilli and garlic Sriracha sauce, served as a no-charge compliment. This creamy sauce had an intense and charismatic flavour, not too hot, but zingy and uplifting for anything it was spooned over. It was liked plenty enough that second servings were requested and I spread most of one onto half of a flax seed burger bun half in addition to liberal application across salad. Delicious!

We went for lunch and came away very happy and full! The go go green smoothie was delicious and the salmon fillet was perfectly cooked with a crispy skin- go for a good mix of the salads, the pesto quinoa was scrumptious! If you're feeling extra hungry then the carrot cake is a must! All portions were generous! Can't wait to go back.