Mini Bites: Scooter Caffé, Waterloo

I went along to a great little place last night, and all you lot should really know about it. Hidden away at the Westminster end of Lower marsh is a tiny little café with a pretty novel idea. Packed to the hilt with scooter memorabilia, from a full blown scooter in the window to number plates all over the walls, it sells drinks. Yep, just drinks. From Monmouth coffee to all sorts of booze, you are welcomed to rock up, enjoy the internet and have a few drinks. The atmosphere is laid back and it kind of feels you’re in your own living room. There are even the addition of a few cats running around.

The clincher for me is that they welcome you to bring in your own food. It’s a pretty novel concept in my eyes, and I like it. Bring food, drink their drinks, do work, enjoy with friends. Scooter Caffé is what you want it to be. I love the lax atmosphere and more importantly, free wifi. Take into consideration the little events they hold like Monday night film nights, open mic and cartoons, and you have a pretty great place to hole up and chill out. Love it.

Scooter Caffé - 132 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1 7AE

Does it get any batter? Masters Superfish, Waterloo

Firstly, apologies are due regarding the terrible pun used in the title. The truth is, you're going to have to blame Julie Goodyear of Coronation Street fame for that one. She is but one of the many "famous" names who adorn the walls of Masters Superfish, endorsing their fine fish and chips. Who am I to argue with such a heavyweight of the soap world?



Masters Superfish are located a mere stones throw from Waterloo station. Looking dishevelled and unloved, blinds half drawn, it actually hides a very decent chippy. As the walls suggest, this place has been around for a long time (other than Julie, I noticed Lovejoy's cheesy grin peering over me). The decor is certainly a throwback to the 70's with Formica, laminated menus and sticky tables the order of the day.



We sat and ordered, haddock and chips for me, the special of sea bass for my compatriots. Almost as soon as the menu's were whisked away, we were presented with a basket of bread and some rather sad looking prawns. A bit of a change from the usual chippy, but well received nonetheless.



Soon enough, the main event made its way onto our table, and I was pleasantly surprised. The crisp, light and relatively grease free exterior gave way to a beautifully cooked fresh fish, gently steaming within its fortress of batter. I believe that they get their fish fresh from Billingsgate market every morning and on this evidence, I certainly wouldn't doubt that. Chips were adequate if nothing special but a special mention has to be made to the accompanying pickles. The gherkin was crisp and not soggy as gherkins often are, and the pickled onion, gum suckingly sharp and again beautifully crisp. Only real bum note was that the tartare sauce was seriously lacking.



Masters Superfish certainly isn't going to win any awards for service or looks but what it does deliver is an awesome plate of fish. I have only really started to eat fish over the last year, but when I taste fish as good as this, I really start to wonder what took me so long.

Appearances can indeed be deceiving. Look beyond the crumbling green facade and you may just discover a gem. Covered in batter and served with chips and pickles.

Masters Superfish, 191 Waterloo Road, Waterloo, SE1 8UX