On a recent solo jaunt, I tailored my lady’s day out around a stop for Bancone. On my list for years, Bancone appears to be professional pasta connoisseurs but within a reasonable budget – something we all need these days! Solo diners are popped at one of the many bars and I was glad to score one with a glimpse of the kitchen so I could preview the gorgeous dishes walking their way by me. I’m perfectly happy with this set up, but please add some backs to your bar stools!

As expected in central London, the people watching at this spot was excellent and I contemplated the very interesting scenarios unfolding around me on a sunny afternoon…

As someone who makes Romanesco about once a week, I knew I couldn’t leave without trying the artichoke in a very elegant pond of the stuff. This was otherworldly good and if I was a smarter lass, I’d have just ordered two of these and forgotten the second course. This dish was better than any artichoke that I’ve tried in Italy and I seriously contemplated returning in the evening for another hit.

For the pasta course, I was torn between many, but ultimately selected a truffled cacio e pepe, as a fresh truffle isn’t something I’d expect to ever find chez moi (though I would welcome it)! While it was nice enough, I would certainly go for a punchier flavor next time. For 12 GBP a plate, this is a relative steal in London and I happily would give pasta another go if only for another taste of that gorgeous artichoke.