In the tiny village of West Horndon (which is just a few minutes’ drive from Brentwood), you will find La Bicicletta. This family-run Italian restaurant has been delighting locals and visitors for many years, with its ethos of preparing simple and fuss-free Italian dishes using produce that is sourced locally and freshly prepared on the premises.
The dining room at La Bicicletta may be a little bit dated, but it adds to the restaurant’s sense of charm. Upon entering the dining room, you’ll be whisked away to the kind of traditional Italian restaurant you might find on the Amalfi coast. The restaurant features plain white walls and circular tables draped in white tablecloths, while the long-back chairs boast a burnt orange hue, as does the net curtains.
Adding to the homey vibe, you can spend some time inspecting the various cutesy drawings and paintings on the walls, while you will also found a house plant placed atop every table in the room. What sets La Bicicletta apart from other Italian restaurants in the area is that there is in fact no menu – instead, the kitchen serves a daily-changing offering which is dictated by the produce available to them at the time. If the thought of going in ‘blind’ to a restaurant scares you, rest assured that chef and owner Alberto will be happy to rustle up much-loved Italian classics such as pasta dishes or mussels in white wine sauce.
Any Italian restaurant worth its salt is home to a fantastic selection of wines and La Bicicletta is no different, offering up a well thought out and fairly priced selection of native bottles. The homely nature of La Bicicletta and its round tables also mean that the restaurant is a family-friendly affair, perfect for get togethers and long lunches. Prices are fair too.