Having just had a very early evening meal, I thought I'd share a new place I've discovered.

Firstly, let me say that (as I'm sure many of you are aware) not affiliated, nor have any financial or social interests in this establishment.

The place itself is called "Speck". It comprises a delicatessen counter serving cheeses, cold meats, pastas, olives, vegetables, etc. as well as wines, and sweet delicacies. Whilst this sounds unremarkable in itself, at the back of this small shop (which has clean contemporary décor), is a large wooden table where one is able to order their delightful pastas, gnocchi, vegetables, meats, etc.. The owners are equally charming, continuously offering more breads, and even a selection of olive oils throughout my meal. The Gnocchi was not served with parmesan as is the norm, but a sweet dolcelatte gorgonzola - divine!

What makes this all the more remarkable is the price - just over six pounds a head for a pasta dish with some antipasti style vegetables and cheeses, served by such polite and interesting staff (husband and wife with an assistant).

Furthermore, a really well selected array of wines are available for purchase.

Overall, for an early dinner, pre-theatre perhaps?, or a light lunch, this is a really easygoing place offering quality, classic, reasonably priced cuisine.

ok, here it is,......I'm taking a very deep breath....I totally agree with the above poster. Not as hard as I thought.
Speck is great- an amazing slice of Italy in London on my favorite shopping street too! Not fancy, just damn good food.
If you're walking south (Regent's Park at your back) towards Oxford street it will be on your right. It's on theMarylebone High Street not Marylebone. Hey m_kingdon try the Providores next time!

This recommendation is greatly appreciated. We are leaving tomorrow for London and although we already have reservations at a couple of places (Simpsons-on-the Strand for one), this will be a welcome addition to our list.

Do you know the closest tube stop?

And by the way, have either of you been to Simpsons? Your impressions?

I'd say Bond Street and Baker Street tube are equidistant to "Speck", depending on where you are coming from will determine which one is more convenient, use www.thetube.com to plan your journey.

Simpson's won't take your breath away with their cuisine, which is on the whole good quality and most palatable. It is worth going as it is really one of the last "dining room" style places left in London which has gone down the "trendy" route, perhaps for the best. If the prices at Simpson's don't concern you, try it, it won't be a disaster, just don't expect Michelin-starred style cuisine.

On the other hand, Speck is so reasonable, and the food so wholesome and tasty it is virtually impossible to go wrong.

Thanks for the recommendation, m! It sounds like a winner. I did a little digging on the internet, and found their website: http://shop.speck-deli.co.uk/index.html

Susan

Will definitely put this one on my list. Thanks!

Well, m_kingdom, I did find Speck and enjoyed lunch there. You were spot on with your description and the proprietors were very gracious and eager to please. We ate at the large table (resembling what we would call a picnic table here in the US) and the food could not have been fresher nor tastier. We even purchased a couple of their condiments for take out.

They do not, however, have an on-premise alcohol license and it would have been nice to have a glass of wine with our meal. (I had spinach lasagna and my husband and daughter had veal - all excellent.) The counter appeared to be quite busy all during our meal and the variety of bread they brought to the table was very enjoyable.

The only thing out of whack with this experience was the two young men sitting at the end of the table who carried on quite the lively discussion which apparently required the liberal use of a four-letter word beginning with the letter "f." Charming.

The owners, of course, had no control over that. The food was excellent and we felt very much at home.

Simpsons-on-the-Strand, by the way was great. It reminded me very much of Antoine's in New Orleans and our meals were perfection. Save room for the treacle sponge cake afterward. I don't think anything in this world could taste any better.

Thanks again for the recommendation. See, your powers CAN be used for good. (smile)

>What makes this all the more remarkable is the price - just over six pounds a head for a pasta dish with some antipasti style vegetables and cheeses.<

Wonderful. 10E for what you can get in Italy for 7, with a glass of wine.

>Simpsons-on-the-Strand, by the way was great. It reminded me very much of Antoine's in New Orleans and our meals were perfection. <

Now that's someone who knows what she is talking about.

BTW,

How is Marylebone pronounced?

Ira,

I used Marylebone train station when I was in London a few weeks ago, and it sounded to my American ears that it was pronounced "MAR Lee Bone".

Ira dear, as you seem to know everything I'm sure pronunciation must be within your powers.

I'm pleased you enjoyed Speck and that classic Simpsons!

Furthermore Ira dear, what is the logic or purpose in comparing Italian prices to those in the UK?

If one is in the UK, it would be considerably more expensive to fly to Italy everytime one fancies an Italian meal.

Ira, like many things, there isn't one correct way to pronounce Marylebone - here's a couple depending on who you're talking to:

Marlibone

Marrilubone (said very quickly, with the stress on "bone&quot

But never MARYlebone, as it's spelt (as in Holy Mary!)