One of the best examples of chain restaurants…no two Megan’s is the same

BY PALOMA LACY

It’s only fair to warn people you’re coming when reviewing a restaurant. It was no different this time at Megan’s in Chelsea – pre-booking a table and making my intentions clear.

It wasn’t until the end of the meal that I realised the host greeting my Easter holidays’ group of four, hadn’t realised why we were there.

But this turned out to be a true test because I couldn’t fault the service or the food.

The manager’s face was a picture once she realised, her nervous look too frightened to ask if everything was okay.

One of the best examples of chain restaurants to be found in London, no two Megan’s is the same.

It won’t surprise anyone to learn that this particular branch seemed swankier than most.

Located in a really interesting building, the deli lies at the front, with a glass cabinet showcasing all the latest cakes available.

An old-fashioned staircase leads you up and down into a small dining area, which in turn paves the way to the main dining area – the garden.

When we arrived at 4pm, the canopy hadn’t yet been rolled across the garden so we could see sky from our inside table, which was a nice vista.

However, it was a little breezy so we kept our coats on.

Had we not been two adults and two children, beer jackets at a garden table would have been all that was needed but needless to say this was a more restrained family sort of affair.

We were fresh from Clip ‘n’ Climb, just a few minutes down the road, and arrived tired and hungry.

Megan’s menu is modern Mediterranean, with a focus on healthy kebabs.

The menu changes seasonally but sensibly the posh kebabs are a constant.

The new menu introduced a few weeks ago starts in the evening so we missed out on this during our teatime visit.

We went down the route of shared starters – in a bid to create a talking point for our little ones and encourage more adventurous eating.

Piri Roasted Cauliflower Wings were a hit with the adults, as was Calamari with Scotch Bonnet Mayo, and halloumi fries with honey proved a resounding success with all four of us.

So much so that one I for one will refuse to eat the cheese without honey again. Talking of cheese, I spied Turkish Brunch Fondu, which would have been a great sharer.

I liked the reminder on the menu that ‘sharing is caring’ – something we often teach my daughter at home.

Main course was Open Kebabs for the mums – chicken for me and lamb ‘doner’ for my friend.

A healthy take on the classic shawarma – marinated chicken thigh served on flatbread, with the addition of harissa hummus, pickled veg, smoked aubergine and omega seed dukkah.

I love the pickled vegetables for the freshness and light acidity that cut through the richness of meat. This turned out to be a solid choice that couldn’t really be improved upon.

The kids were taken by the children’s menu and ordered Chicken Bites and Flat Bread Pizza, respectively.

There was also a Mini Brunch and Pancake Stack up for grabs so something different for next time.

Despite the location, dishes are keenly priced. Starters begin from a fiver and main courses around £14 so pretty good for these times of inflation. The children’s menu is £4.50 and includes a drink.

Not deliberately so but following in the footsteps of Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, who recently admitted he’s a fan of Clip ‘n’ Climb, we tried out the South London branch, in Chelsea.

To those not in the know, it’s the latest sporting craze to keep little ones busy and fit and healthy.

This place is nothing short of a dream in the school holidays. A chance to grab a coffee and watch your kids, properly harnessed, climbing the dizzy heights of walls suitable for all abilities for an hour and a half.

A great way for kids four years and upwards to blow off steam – they walk in excited and walk out exhausted.

Safe to say we’ll be regulars. And it’s not just for the little ones, parents can join them and there are also adults-only sessions in the evenings. www.clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk

Megan’s, 571 King’s Road, Chelsea SW6 2EB.