In a section of the King's Rd most known for lighting and furniture shops, megan's is a hidden gem.  Part cafe, part restaurant, part deli, megan's is spread over two adjoining sites with the most lovely courtyard at the back.

As the chillier weather reappears it is hard to believe that last month three friends met up in the sun filled courtyard for a much needed catch up and the tastiest of lunches.

Due to the early "summer" (yes, it was March and knowing our weather patterns that may have been our summer) - the courtyard was packed, but we were lucky and managed to grab the last table. Reservations are taken for indoor tables in any of three areas but a table outside is dependant upon luck.

Grabbing a glass of Cinsault, La Lande, Languedoc rose (£4.45), San Pellegrino (£2.95) we basked in the sunshine and chat with no pressure to chose our foods.

The lunch menu is not extensive but the portion sizes are huge!  There is always a hot dish - it was chicken curry & rice when we were there - but the salads and quiches were eye catching and a winner.

All three of us opted for a char grilled lamb dish, reminiscent of BBQ-ing sunny days with a two salads. I opted for a salad of spinach, golden beetroot, roast parsnips, the second was a green bean  salad with pomegranate seeds and feta cheese.  Another salad offered a green variation with black pudding slice for the slightly more adventurous!

The main dish was £8.95 and with a coffee (£1.90)whilst we shared a generous slab of apple & cinnamon cake (£2.95) the total bill excluding service was £46.95.

megan's menu offers regulars items from breakfast to an evening meal or you could just pop in for a coffee and slice of cakes - every one tells me their gluten free brownies are heavenly.

I can imagine that on a summer evening the courtyard would be a great escape from the city hubbub, evoking memories of Mediterranean holidays gone by.  The menu talks about " the best ingredients, marinate them for 48 hours, and then throw them on the char grill. You’ll find the juiciest Bavette & Ribeye steaks, butterflied tiger prawns, charred octopus... all served with crisp French fries and an array of home-made sauces." .

I find myself licking my lips and salivating at the thought as I type and so to quote an Austrian film star turned American politician "I'll be back"!

Sandi Bloomfield

April 13, 2012