Filling the proverbial boots with pub food is a campaign-trail tradition. There’s the classic kind a-plenty at The Sun: think gourmet burgers, elegant but substantial roast dinners, veggie Thai-inspired curries and big beer battered onion rings. A decent shout.

Comfort is the thing here: Korykos serves what can only be described as happy-making Turkish food. After a morning mooching around Carshalton Park (which is lovely), the restaurant’s hefty meze platters, generous with silken hummus, richly spiced green beans and bulgar wheat salad, would do nicely. The halloumi fries aren’t bad either.

King of Carshalton chippies, this. Chipsmiths, on the High Street, boasts big portions of flaky haddock and soft fried chips. The crispy batter matches famous shops in town and the mushy peas are plentiful. It’s the safest bet near Carshalton Ponds.

Over on Manor Road in Wallington, El Nido, a convivial Spanish joint, has been run by three generations of the Garcia family since 1978. The food might be a little 1970s too, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t some of the best in the area. Expect decent gambas, hearty paellas, and well-cooked steak (Diane is available). 

Ross Parade is home to this culinary gem. Despite much ado about London’s pie and mash sphere, Byrnes Pie and Eel House flies largely under the radar on account of its suburban nature and lack of East End credentials. But it’s a fine place to stop for lunch: the pies are seasoned and the liquor is generous. 

Serving pasta and pizza, Vinoteca Italiana is nothing like Pastaio or Franco Manca: think old-school chequered tablecloths, big Chiantis and little candles. It’s a safe bet for a morsel of Parma ham and mozzarella. And there’s tiramisu, the finest dessert.