All About Annie's

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Emma Brophy meets the inspiration behind this neighbourhood restaurant

Situated a stones throw from the river on the picturesque White Hart Road, Lorraine Angliss opened the doors of Annie's Restaurant back in 2003 and, considering her background which spans 25 years in the restaurant trade including opening Bill Wyman's Sticky Fingers, it is clear to see why both branches of Annie's in Barnes and Chiswick have upheld their reputation amongst London's finest eateries.

Founder and owner of these local institutions adored by residents and celebrities alike, Lorraine Angliss is as seductive and sumptuous as the restaurants she owns. One glance and it is clear to see exactly where the inspiration for Annie's decor came from.

Inside is an eclectic mix of richly coloured chairs, dark wooden tables, chandeliers, cushions, candles and roses - the overall impression is one of charming shabby chic with emphasis on the chic. Outside there is seating at the front and a charming garden at the rear which proves incredibly popular in the warmer weather.

"Before I even started designing the restaurant, I already knew exactly how it was going to look, feel, taste and smell – I had all the senses in my head." says Lorraine "The colours, the feel of it, and what sort of atmosphere I wanted to create. It was already in my heart and in my mind ready to be born."

Annie's Barnes has been managed by Frederic Pierac since it opened three years ago. A charmingly eloquent French man, Fred is as knowledgeable as he is enthusiastic about the food and wine he serves.

Brunch, lunch and dinner are served seven days a week from 10.00am with different menus for each. From eggs benedict to a crispy bacon, oven roast tomato and little gem sandwich, the brunch menu, served between 10.00am – 12.00pm has something for everyone – even the children.

The lunch menu offers a choice of delightful dishes including mussels braised with white wine or warmed goat’s cheese to start, followed by Annie’s signature dishes of Shepherd’s pie or cod and chips with a batter so light, it’s almost tempura.

The dinner menu is a concoction of heartwarming fare such as beef, ale and portobello mushroom casserole with mustard mash and, a personal favourite, rib eye steak, fries and béarnaise sauce finished off with Annie’s famous sticky toffee pudding. Generous portions and inventive specials of the day are more than enough to tempt diners back on a regular basis and their passion fruit brulee is absolutely not to be missed!

In partnership with head chef Nick Robertson, Lorraine explains her approach to creating such popular menus "What people really want to eat is the inspiration behind the menu. We serve beautifully cooked and presented food but with an emphasis on comfort, food you would want at home but couldn't be bothered to cook yourself. I've also got lots of healthy dishes on the menu as well as grilled fish, salads and great options for vegetarians.”

With prices averaging £6.00 for a starter, £12 for a main course and a well thought out wine list from £12 for an excellent house red or white, dinner at Annie’s needn’t break the bank. “I'm very price sensitive. I wouldn't want customers to pay over the odds for anything we serve. I care desperately about keeping the cost of our dishes reasonable.”

I asked Lorraine what she thought gave Annie's that special something that makes it such a popular rendezvous“We really do care about or customers. We offer great food in a friendly and informal atmosphere. It really is quite distinctive, fun and very romantic. I wanted to open somewhere unique where people would be really happy that they had arrived and enjoy the experience.”

“I tried to bring into the neighbourhood, a place for everyone. People can come just for coffee, breakfast or lunch, a couple can have cosy, romantic dinners and families can pop in and enjoy our Sunday roasts. For children we have a toy box and if they eat all their food they get one of Annie's sweeties. The appeal, I think is the home from home feeling it has. I wanted to create a local institution and that’s what I've done.”

The exceptional service and great atmosphere at Annie's both in Barnes and Chiswick was recently recognised by Harden's who ranked the restaurants 4th in London for service and ambiance.

Emma Brophy

February 21, 2006