As soon as you enter Base, there is the counter fridge displaying lots of tempting food! Some of the food is inside the fridge and some is placed openly on the top. The food has a Mediterranean influence with dishes including roasted vegetables, couscous, quiches and salads.

There is beige cushioned seating along the wall to go with the dark wooden furniture. The tables are close together but this is inevitable as Base is a fairly small restaurant. There is also some seating outdoors.

Base has quite a broad menu and the waiter told us that as well as the menu, we could just choose from the counter fridge.

A light lunch was what I had in mind, so I thought that a wrap would be a good choice! I was presented with a big wrap, cut in half, where one half would have been plenty!

The wrap was generously filled with lots of pan fried aubergine, humous, big chunks of tomatoes, cucumber and fresh parsley. It also came with some salad. The vegetables were really tasty and fresh, especially the aubergine and the tomatoes.

Base definitely does not skimp on its portion size! My friend chose the fish cake made from a combination of salmon, cod and haddock. It was served with salad and tartare sauce. Again, it was a big portion and made for a satisfying filling lunch!

There is a range of drinks from regular teas, coffees, iced drinks to exotic smoothies and juices. The tea is served by the pot.

Base is a lovely place to come to for good quality fresh food. The staff are friendly and provide good service. Base seems like a popular place as it was very busy at lunchtime!

Base, 71 Hampstead High Street, London, NW3 1QP

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Maison Blanc is a nice French patisserie. It has a small takeaway counter as you enter. If you pass this and head to the back of the store, that is where the cafe area is. There is limited seating here but they also have tables outside. The cafe area is very light and airy.

The service was lovely and the atmosphere was very relaxed. Maison Blanc has great artwork along its walls and also a good display of biscuits and sweets. The bags of French treats and artisan chocolate would be good for gifts. In the display fridge, there are many pastries, tarts and also small speciality cakes.

We had mochas to drink and they were very rich and creamy; just as we like them. Maison Blanc do have soy milk. They also serve soups, salads and sandwiches. This cafe is a perfect place to come for breakfast, lunch or a coffee break.

Maison Blanc, 76 Hampstead High Street, London, NW3 1QX

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