In the perpetual commentary of ‘size matters’ Pharmacy 2 had irrevocably cemented our stance

Penny went to PHARMACY 2 18/03/2016

Specs: 👓

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Average Cost pp: £15

Nearest Tube: Vauxall

http://www.pharmacyrestaurant.com/

Celebrating our congressional ‘twinning’ birthdays Phoebe and I decided to dine somewhere a bit ‘fun’ having taken the day off work and all. After a quick scan of timeout’s newfangled restaurants of the hour we settled on Pharmacy 2 concluding that conceptual eateries delivered on the ‘fun’ criteria. Damien Hirst’s second stab at the restaurant scene, Pharmacy 2 is an expectedly artsy concept restaurant servicing Newport Gallery’s visitors and foodies alike. Pharmacy 2 executes a similar vision to Hirst and Matthew Freud’s original joint venture, ‘Pharmacy’, which closed in 2003 with Freud stating that ‘it became a very, very shit restaurant’…(!) It has since been reimagined in the confines of the first floor of Hirst’s minimalist Newport Gallery and visually didn’t disappoint…

…unassuming, the gallery is placed, or perfectly misplaced, in an industrial estate in Vauxall and feels wonderfully isolated from the clustered eateries of Soho or Shoreditch. The red-bricked gallery served as a scenery painting location in the early 1900s and so provides an expanse of glittering space to house both Hirst’s work and the restaurant. Of course the restaurant’s own interior can further be behold, an extension of the intrigue that ensued upon entering the building, and sanctum to Hirst’s distinctive imagination, we had great fun playing ‘spot the drug’ amongst the various varieties displayed on pill-patterned wallpaper and watching scientists concoct potions in flasks and petri dishes behind the laboratory styled bar. It was bright, playful and bold – a spectacle that didn’t fail to delight the birthday prinnies.

Perusing the menu we spied our usual friends, avo on toast, waffles with bacon, salmon and eggs. In their variety, of course, but excited by the eccentric ambiance I had rather hoped to gaze upon more extraordinary offerings I must admit. We went for all of the stated and decided to share between the three of us. Timely prepared and bought to us by impeccably mannered staff I was somewhat underwhelmed to see the size of the portions…For girls who like to think we’re relatively refined when it comes to eating out, the disappointment due to portion size was not something we wished to openly divulge. But I knew the distress was real and shared, despite the oooh and ahhs from around the table. We politely ate our solo forkful and passed round the dishes until they were quite literally wiped clean within five quick minutes, before Phoebe broke nerve with ‘it was a little on the small side wasn’t it.’ Brave. We all exhaled in agreement cracked a few statutory dirty ‘size matters’ jokes before we settled the bill and surmised the food to be delicious if not lacking.

We decided to walk off our morsels with a gander around the gallery until only half way round and withstanding growling stomachs, we declared that it was visually a wonderful experience but in the perpetual commentary of ‘size matters’ Pharmacy 2 had irrevocably cemented our stance and left to find some cheese or summit…

The dishes were a colourful, enticing sight and upon tasting, punchy and full of flavour

Penny went to POCO 10/10/2015

Specs:

Overall Rating:

Average Cost pp: £20

Nearest Tube: London Fields

http://pocotapasbar.com/

Sights set on an active sunny Saturday East of the city, the girls and I travelled to meet Dan at Broadway Market and trial the highly recommended Poco. Having never explored Broadway Market myself I epitomised the kidincandystore analogy on our pre-walk to Poco. Eyes a gazed at all the wonderful gastronomic offerings, musical entertainment and bustle of likeminded Londoners on similar weekend jaunts, the market pre-empted a similarly delightful dining experience. Pulled along by friends we reached a small and busy Poco bang on time. We were seated and served leisurely giving us time to catch up on the week’s activities and take in our surroundings.

Sustainably and ethically minded in its seasonal produce and ingredients Poco is likewise in its furnishings. Where possible the team have used materials with limited environmental consequence in continuing a responsible dining experience. Using slats of reclaimed woods in light hues for informal bench arrangements, exposed fixtures and plenty of green foliage throughout, the place is reminiscent of Amsterdam’s eateries feeling bright, airy and modern without a hint of pretentiousness. The place felt open and relatively spacious despite being small in size. This is accentuated by the open plan kitchen and bar area where the few waiting staff and two chefs were fully exposed to their diners. Service out in the open gave for a more inclusive, all-embracing eating experience when able to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of preparation as well as the dishes themselves.

Hankering for Bloody Marys we ordered a round of the Harissa variant before deciding on the Papas A Lo Pobre with added chorizo, essentially a fried potato dish with rosemary, garlic and other seasoning. As well as, Moroccan and Moorish ‘Scrambles’, scrambled eggs with beans, spices and Merguez/ Chorizo sausage respectively, rationalising that a solid hit of chilli would help with our winter colds. The dishes were a colourful, enticing sight and upon tasting, punchy and full of flavour. It was tasty and enjoyable, although nothing remarkable. The bloody Mary…a little too sweet with not enough heat for my liking, but fine. The service at Poco was a stand out. Friendly, attentive staff, with good chat served us and weren’t overbearing. Overall Poco was a pleasant experience in a lovely location with clean interior, good food and friendly service, nothing to write home about but certainly made for an enjoyable morning all-in-all!

Don’t be influenced by any bias you may have towards hipster haunts.

Phoebe went to BISTROTHEQUE 08/06/2016

Specs: 👓

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Average Cost pp: £20

Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green

http://www.bistrotheque.com

It is a rare occasion that all 9 of our school friends are in the same time zone, let alone city, at the same time. Those whimsical little wayfarers seem to span all corners of the world and only seem to foregather at very sporadic and ephemeral intervals. For the first time in – what we calculated as four years- the girls were all in London for a precious nano second. As a celebratory/ rendezvous/ excuse to eat delicious food we booked a table for brunch at the former clothing factory that is Bistrotheque. Located 10 minutes off the beaten track in an industrial, concrete, no mans, this Bethnal Green hipster oasis is every bit as trendy as its locale is elusive.

But before you dismiss it as another kaleidoscopic fusion of East London stereotypes, following that ironically ‘un-alternative’ formula of thimble sized flat whites and raw vegan brownies. Hear this out. This is opinion, and certainly not fact, but it was just cool. The whole hidden warehouse, down an unassuming side street type vibe is so terribly cliché that it almost feels flirtatious. Playing at its own game. The ‘bleak’ location felt tongue –in-cheek in its juxtaposition to the clean, white and contemporary interior. Upstairs, through the palm lined courtyard is the concrete but chic dining room, live jazz pianist included. The huge room is airy and light, with white bare walls, an exposed kitchen, extensively stocked open bar and enough windows to make any 17^th century home owner wince.

We all got rather silly and started ordering copious amounts of cocktails, as only a gaggle of giggly girls who have finally annulled their imposed interactional abstinence do. Well, the girls and Alex…..who took it upon himself to seize this opportunity as a safezone for self expression. He indulged in the frivolity of the day, ordering himself the most exquisitely flamboyant pink champagne cocktails. They were recurrently adorned with fanciful little meringues and sparkly raspberries. For all its stylish tomfoolery, and uninhabited gaiety, the food was commonsensical, balanced and not too fussy. The menu is a hybridity of modern European crowd pleasers with vintage British brunch. I had crab rarebit with capers and rocket on sourdough (of course). Others included pancakes, bacon and maple syrup and characteristic avocado on toast, poached egg, onion, Sriracha. Mine was incredible, good quantities of crab, loads of cheese and sharp freshness of the capers and lemon. It was perfect, exactly what I wanted. We managed to spend a lot, but we were not short of coffees and cocktails and cakes. We all got a bit overexcited and used every excuse to justify our unadulterated excess. They have never been girls that eat in moderation, and this unique phenomenon was not the occasion to be abstemious with the  bellinis and bloody Marys. Despite our costly hedonism, there are a number of options at £8 and a dinner prix fixe of £23 for 3 courses. It is possible to enjoy a reasonably priced and good quality meal, if my rarebit was anything to rely on. Oh, and service was good…from what any of us can remember.

Don’t be influenced by any bias you may have towards hipster haunts. Bistrotheque was delicious, honest and…long suffering. Any restaurant that tolerates a gang of noisy, over excited, drunk and dare I admit very annoying girls (and honorary boy) gets a thumbs up from me!

 

 

Please go to Friends of Ours for a brunch made with tender loving care and a morning of fanciful dreaming.

Phoebe went to FRIENDS OF OURS 21/11/2015

Specs: 👓

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Average Cost pp: £12

Nearest Tube: Old Street

http://www.friendsofourscafe.com/

Poppy suggested this recently opened, low profile café in Hoxton. I was ignorant to its existence until that moment, however a brief glimpse at the menu online assured me I was going to savour it. I arrived somewhat earlier than she, ordering a flat white and digested my surroundings. Not unduly flamboyant or overambitious; still possessing that unspoiled charm. This modern bruncherie still has that magic that’s so easily lost once the masses (or primarily Time-Out readership) discover and descend.

Laid back and inviting; more of your pre brunch boom little café or familial home. Friends of Ours is endowed with a chilled out character, simplistic and unassuming but heartening and endearing. Presumably a tactical initiative by the Australian owners. Just a couple of tables, window seats and a high bar with stools. A few exposed lightbulb fixtures and chalkboards lined the ceilings and walls. The asymmetrically tiled counter, with cakes and coffee machine acts as a central axis and hub of the venue. It’s the sort of place you go because you know the food is decent, affordable and honest. It’s not a place to luxuriate on fancy décor and pretentious facades. The Antipodean inspired menu presented a kooky but succinct list, with umpteen items I wanted to test drive. I seem to be a waiter’s nightmare, I have an innate propensity to start blabbing about nonsense forgetting even to pick up the menu and then proceed with a million and one questions. Restricting me to a couple of options limits breadth of deliberation, interrogation and is generally less painful for everyone.

Beautiful and mouth-watering, the food was all healthy, and well balanced but not at all gimmicky. I had the hash, roast pumpkin, spring onions, potatoes, feta and a poached egg. Poppy choice smashed avo with crab, chill and coriander on sourdough. Other exciting options included, baked eggs with corn salsa, lamb merguez muffins with hairssa and pork belly benedict. Ours were both very pretty, with scatterings of cress and dustings of seeds; everything was interesting with a quirky flare. There was a woodland feel to the presentation; autumnal hues and young sprouting leaves. The foliage seemed wild and newly picked. Some plates I saw had tiny vibrant flower petals or shavings of pink radish. It was not inordinately extravagant but attractive and delicate. Price was reasonable and staff friendly. There was no pressure from staff for us to depart; even when it was apparent we had no intention to buy anything further. A greater prompt were the groups of hungry looking bystanders, whom made us feel slightly guilty for our 2-hour stint.

Poppy told me a heart-warming story; regarding the two owners. These Aussie best friends renounced their city jobs to follow their dreams of establishing a café. I could not help but conjure elaborate back-stories of their lives, and feel inspired by their passionate pursuits. Friends of Ours really is somewhere you could sit and fantasize for hours (provided you don’t feel culpable for depriving other diners). It’s certainly not somewhere to show off or ‘live it up’ with a celebratory mimosa but the ideal spot for a really delicious brunch where you almost feel at home. Please go to Friends of Ours for a brunch made with tender loving care and a morning of fanciful dreaming.

There was certainly and absolutely no sense of exclusivity

Penny went to DEAN STREET TOWNHOUSE 08/11/2015

Specs: 👓

Overall Rating: ⭐️

Average Cost pp: £25

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square

https://www.deanstreettownhouse.com/

It is hard to miss the presence of Dean Street Townhouse as a go-to place for London brunchers when perusing the worldwide web’s lists of city hot spots. Filtering through various accreditations the place consistently ends up on top. It’s a marked achievement in a heavily saturated brunch market. Understandably then I was excited to take up the opportunity of a well-earned meal after some early morning tennis with my siblings (as much as spectatorship and commentary can be counted for ‘well-earned’). Part of the Soho House collection Dean Street Townhouse services hotel guests for breakfast as well as fleeting customers. This was obvious on arrival, the morning spread and weekend newspapers laid out on the bar welcomed us as well as friendly front of house who took our coats and tennis bits. The décor felt very ‘clubhouse’ – dark woods and plush armchairs chairs. Brass furnishings. Brasserie tiles. And the staff are dressed formally in black and white (ties included) to meet this ambiance.

Once seated and settled we deliberated the menu at leisure. Don’t expect anything too exciting, Dean Street provides your archetypal brunches and not much else. Not of course a bad thing if executed well. Siblings decided on eggs in their varieties and I went for kedgeree. It was around the time we had settled on our choices that we became aware of the lack attention to our needs. We sat on our decisions for another ten minutes or so before finally grabbing a waiter who would take our order. A waiter who was brash, and blunt, and rushed, and disinterested. I will call him waiter#1 for the purpose of my ensuing grind with the service at Dean Street. He took our drinks orders then explained that another member of waiting staff would be back for food orders. Ten minutes later waiter#2, with a similar flighting and rude manner, took our food order. Despite cracks starting to show, in true British manner we smiled politely and the service (or lack of) was not bought up at the table. Hereafter however succeeded a sequence, almost algorithmic in its turnover of waiters, that could not avoid mention. Staff would appear at our table whether to drip feed our drinks order through (waiter#5 said these would be removed of the bill), asking for the fourth time what dishes were ordered, bringing over another table’s food, or asking for the tenth time what it was exactly that was ordered. Through gritted teeth we endured 45 minutes of this intrusive and tiresome game (from ordering!) for our, may I add exceedingly simple, dishes to arrive. Even then food arrived late and we were approached by waiter#8 to ask AGAIN what it was we had ordered.

The food itself was good and the coffee nice and everything tasted pleasant. But it was blighted entirely by the waiting experience and the fact we were now running behind on other Saturday activities, that it was unappreciated and rushed. Not savoured. When the bill arrived I was horrified to see nothing had been knocked off and service charge had been cheekily added. I expressed my dissatisfaction to waiter#11 and stressed that waiters>#11 had ensured me that we would not pay for many of the faults. She disappeared sending over waiter#12 to broach me, who in turn sent over waiter#11621.02(a), presumably the manager, who prepared an adjusted bill that still exceeded what should have been paid (which upon reflection was nothing). Eventually printing off a final receipt he apologised and hurried off to manage more chaos ensuing on the right. This was the worst service I have ever received. The staff apart from being ill-mannered, were distressed, confused, and simply not very good at keeping the chaos that was the entire Saturday morning sitting underlid. The whole experience was loud and chaotic – there was certainly and absolutely no sense of exclusivity that the Soho House brand so intends to perpetuate.

I fink I love it

Penny went to FINKS SALT AND SWEET 25/10/2015

Specs: 👓

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Average Cost pp: (Coffee, main, cake) £11

Nearest Tube: Finsbury Park

http://finks.co.uk/

Post heavy weekend we walked to Fink’s Salt and Sweet on a Sunday morning amusingly spitting out what we ‘fink we might order’ whether we ‘fink we might like it or not’ etc etc. Aware that these jokes were neither original nor particularly funny they ceased quickly upon arrival, but, if I may revert one last time to this menial joke…I fink I love it. And there’s a lot to love. Nestled amongst vintage antique stores, retro cafes and a Sylvanian family shop, Fink’s can be found down a quiet but quirky residential street just off Blackstock Road somewhere between Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington. Away from the hustle of central London and obligatory edginess of East, Fink’s is the kind of lazy and comforting neighbourhood place frequented by locals. During our brunch various sorts came and went. A sweet elderly lady meeting her grandson for hot chocolate and croissants shared our table and asked what we thought would be the nicest pastry. Two sweaty cyclists quickly downed coffee, asked fleetingly how each other’s wives were before returning to discuss the trickery a high-set bike saddle had on one’s height. And a cute couple laid out their A-level books across a table juggling the combined art of flirting whilst revising between bites from the meat and cheese brunch platter. It was all very pleasant and Enid Blyton-esque, the kind of place which you could whittle a Sunday away.

Under this demeanour its important to note that service takes a relaxed approach but considering the setup, formalities weren’t expected. We sat ourselves outside and moved in when an available table caught our eye and were happy to order at the counter – whether or not that was the done thing. Despite clearly being busy the staff were extremely friendly taking the time to start up conversation whether it be advising on the long deliberated choice between cronut or Guinness cake, sharing tattoos of coffee cups, or justifying their cracker choices (the charcoal biscuits were stocked especially since their hexagonal shape mirrored the Fink’s logo and tiling). They were all very welcoming and added to the charm of the setting.

We struggled to choose what to eat so deliberated further over two beautifully presented cappuccinos complete with heart shaped froth, before ordering the avocado on sourdough with harrissa and goats cheese and toasted English muffins with bacon jam and rustic cheese. We waited perhaps slightly longer than usual especially since the food required limited prep but it was worth the wait. Lashings of creamy seasoned avocado was wonderfully paired with ashy chevre and a punchy underlayer of harrissa paste – it was simple, but truly delicious. And reasonable (for London at least). At £5 for a substantial brunch dish I was very pleased with myself. Phoebe’s muffins were equally as satisfying and again at £6 a proper brunch bargain. We indulged in a Nutella cronut topped with meringue and oozing at the centre alongside a toffee pecan bun, both of which rounded the meal (and tummies) off nicely. The whole meal came to £22 for both (two coffees, two pastries, two dishes) which was a pleasant surprise come pay up.

It was really the small touches that set Fink’s apart, the quaint crockery that hung by the counter, antique gold cutlery, oliver twist style plates, water carafes with dinky glasses, and array of niche products for sale such as mermaid confetti (crushed seaweed and sea salt) and mini jars of truffle butter. The whole place was a treasure trove of delightful details not to be missed. I will certainly come again.

Well-travelled food and mighty fine coffee!

Phoebe went to CARAVAN 18/10/2015

Specs: 👓

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Average Cost pp: (main, coffee, service) £13

Nearest Tube: Kings Cross

http://www.caravankingscross.co.uk/

I have been desperately waiting for the opportune moment to try Caravan’s ‘well-travelled’ food and ‘mighty fine coffee’. A friend of mine was feeling under the weather, so as an overdue catch up we deemed it the perfect chance to review these bold claims.

A combination of our arrival at summit brunch time, 11:30am and the reservation boycott that has been bestowed upon London resulted in a 45-minute wait for a table…outside. Over an hour for in. The only redeemable feature being a text service that will notify you when you’re table is ready. With the safeguarding of our table we popped next door to Grainstore for a coffee. Fortunately, neither of us were in a rush, and relished the serendipity to chat about nonsense and gossip at leisure . However without spouting some unnecessary tirade or social commentary on London brunch culture, I find it very frustrating. Yes, we all like structure occasionally and yes, harbouring anticipation is often part of the enjoyment. With this in mind however, I more frequently find the inability to book takes away any spontaneity or no-work capriciousness that is so fondly associated with brunch. Every man and his dog wants to dine at Caravan, meaning to have avoided the walk-in-only-policy induced queue you’re breezy morning is regimented by avoidance of peak times….. which just so happens to be most of the day.

All waiting gripes aside, I received my text prematurely and strolled back to Caravan. The atmosphere outside was lovely, looking over the piazza type Granary square with its performing band and children frolicking in the fountain. The waitress who seated us asked if we minded sharing a table with others, of course we did not. I like the community feel of long collective pews but if, huddling near strangers is not your cup of tea then perhaps request to sit inside. The staff were gracious, young and unmistakably ‘trendy’, possibly recruited from St Martin’s next door. We waited fractionally longer than suitable, but I imagine this is an irrational and unreliable reaction to my hunger pangs and slight indignation with the wait. By this point I felt like I was wasting away (melodrama also occasioned by hunger), but thankfully after ordering, the food arrived very promptly.

My courgette and sweetcorn fritters with chilli jam, feta and rocket were incredible. I cannot find fault. Crispy outside with warm molten vegetable goodness inside, lashings of chilli jam balanced by salty feta and peppery leaves. It was executed and presented beautifully, with artistic drizzles of olive oil and chilli. All the options were incredibly appealing, and true to form I made a mental note to return and sample other things I saw in the margins of my eyesight. Namely, a waffle with parmesan crisp and a modern, admittedly well-travelled looking style of ham eggs and chips involving sweet potato and duck egg. Georgia had smashed avocado on sourdough toast. She said it was delicious and they definitely were not abstemious with the avocado, a common (and first world) problem. The olive oil, liberal quantities of lemon juice and chilli flakes were a necessary and welcomed inclusion. The brunch menu is well designed; a hybridity of contemporary and comfort flavours. In short; the essence of an ideal brunch.

The building is a beautifully restored ex- grainstore, and although I did not spend much time inside, I did catch a glimpse as I walked through to the loo. The loos; I feel I must warn, are unisex so do not be surprised. In harmony with the quirky, easy character the interior design is urbane and industrial, with exposed brick, wooden beams, metal grating and crude fixtures. Inside it was comfortably full with an exciting buzz; it was noisy but not rowdy.

I would have stayed longer; got another coffee or two and a sampled the enticing freshly baked cakes. However It was starting to get a little too cold to endure , despite the babies prancing around in their costumes and I felt less inclined to linger sitting outside. Needless to say I loved the food, the service was good overall and it was entertaining witnessing the faces of horrified men and women as they walked into the loo. A universal facial expression that so perfectly communicates that sudden panic, I know all too well, when you think you may have involuntarily walked into the gents! I do wish they would put a system in place to reduce waiting times and allow for impromptu brunches… that well identified reckless activity. If you are in the area and have the best part of your weekend to kill pop into Caravan as they do have exceptional ,well-travelled food and make a mighty fine coffee!

Perhaps this write-up is merely a reflection of my then mood…

Penny went to HOTBOX 11/10/2015

Specs: 👓

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️

Average Cost pp: (Cocktail, main) £20

Nearest Tube: Aldgate East or Liverpool Street

http://hotboxlondon.com/

What I can only describe as THE hangover from hell was finally on its way out after Thursday night’s pursuits come Saturday morning. Still feeling a little fragile I headed to Hotbox in Spitalfields to meet friends. Upon entry I knew this was far from the therapeutic brunching environment I had been craving, and definitely not a place to visit if you’re feeling a little worse for wear. I was greeted in the darkened lobby by an edgily-clad and suitably pretentious fella armed with an iPad to take my booking. He led me to a table beneath a speaker where one of the clan had arrived already. I sat and was immediately bombarded with menus and regulations by a particularly forthcoming waiter. Asked to dispose of the empty costa coffee cup I had only just set on the table, since ‘those were the rules’, I instantly took a disliking to the place.

Once the rest of the gang were seated and elementary greetings aside we examined the menu and were taken by the variety of options on offer. It was a difficult decision, toss-ups were made between huevos rancheros and chicken Belgian waffles; brunch burgers or American pancakes; truffle egg toast with asparagus or smoked meat hash skillets. There was no denying the wide selection of equally tempting dishes up for grabs, all of which looked requisitely indulgent as they emerged from the service window in the kitchen behind us. The gauntlet was thrown and I ordered the meat skillet with fried egg and potatoes. Alongside was also an impressive selection of Bloody Marys all with varying degrees of spice and signature twists. Feeling vulnerable I stuck to a classic while friends ordered ‘green’ and ‘smoked’ versions of. The ‘green’ with Chimchurri, Jalopeno tabasco and cucumber upon sampling was delicious and the smoked, less to my liking – a concoction of Whiskey, Smoked pork jus and ‘smoked salt’ whatever that may be…

My skillet arrived and smelt really quite appetising. Yet the dish was overall a let-down – there was a substantial lack of meat, fleshed out with far too much potato and masked with a whole lotta heat. I like hot food, but not when its unexpected, neither when it disguises any distinguishing flavours. The heat completely overrode the egg and the supposed ‘smokiness’ of the meat, what there was of it, and both became erroneous components on the plate.

More infuriating however was the volume (and selection) of music. Having to shout over an unsubstantial meal is far from atmospheric and thus ensues a sort of chicken-or-egg scenario where customers shout louder to be heard and in turn the volume is amplified to ‘balance’ customers’ conversation etc etc etc. Despite asking staff to turn it down the situation didn’t appear to improve. To exacerbate this there were groups a plenty enjoying the ‘liquid brunch’. At £25 a head you can enjoy limitless Bloody Marys in all their variety, Prosecco or mimosas within a two hour time slot. The punters were hammered upon leaving; I can only imagine the fear of losing out and with only two hours to make £25 go that extra mile, compelled a belly full of boozy tomato juice.

I left feeling a little dazed. Hot, ears a’ringin, with an unsatisfied belly and only hankering for more. Perhaps this write-up is merely a reflection of my then mood and the venue actually could very well be on point for a rowdy boozy brunch…who knows, since I won’t be returning I’ll leave you to decide.

** NB ** Get the hotcakes!!!!

Phoebe went to GRANGER & CO. 25/09/2015

Specs: 👓

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Average Cost pp: (Coffee, main) £15

Nearest Tube: Kings Cross

http://grangerandco.com/#kings-cross

Sydney based TV chef, Bill Granger is slowly (and successfully might I add) monopolizing the London brunch scene with his ever -expanding empire of Aussie eateries. The latest edition to his treasury opened in June, situated on the ground floor of the Stanley building is a welcomed addition to the Kings Cross cityscape. The third installment of the ‘Granger & Co’ assemblage is characteristically ‘Bill Granger’, successfully disseminating a laid-back Australian brunch culture with Bill’s signature Asian infusion.

Five years ago we would have been hard pushed to find a decent venue in this once transitory food wasteland. However Kings Cross and surrounding area has rapidly become a creative and foodie hub with many of the other desirable brunch names such as Caravan, Grain Store and Dishoom nestled amongst this emergent area of the city. At the centre of London’s communications this incipient culinary destination is quickly evolving into THE go to modish dining scene for Farringdon creatives, passing globe trotters, peckish tourists and recurring locals alike.

Granger & Co pays homage to a railway bar in its aesthetic, conforming to the locomotive architecture of the locale. The leather banquettes, brass stools and boomerang shaped bar are an effective use of space in a stylish, minimalist fashion.  The abstract art, monumental feature mirror and wood panelled ceiling all contribute to creating a stylish, upmarket but informal look. Granger has got the laissez faire but nonetheless chic brunching vibe down to a fine art, a tricky equilibrium to balance.  The most salient feature, which merits an exclusive mention, is the luminescent glow that floods the restaurant.  Light shines through the floor to ceiling panelled windows that span the entirety off the outward facing peripheries. The result is a sunny and cheerful ambience, perhaps honouring its Aussie counterparts.  Unfortunately however, this can’t always be guaranteed.

The light and fresh menu is healthy, wholesome and clean. The comprehensive list includes classics, baked goods, grains, cocktails and great juices.  Its Australian genesis is evident through nourishing options such as the ‘fresh aussie’: salmon, poached eggs, greens, avocado and toms and copious inclusions of down under’s idolized sour dough. Bill’s signature and celebrated ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter also make an appearance. For the 21^st century health conscious faddy types:  lacto free-super food- green-raw- (whatever its guise)-protein bowls with almond milk, chia seeds, fruit and coconut yoghurt. If you hanker after the  lunch part of the portmanteau  there are also ‘Big plates’ of  chicken fat fried rice – raw vegetables,  brown rice, arame, pickles, chilli fried egg & sprouting seeds that cater for that too. We each had a cappuccino- the bed rock for a bona fide brunch- and both chose a traditional and quintessentially mid-morning option. Eggs and sour dough with a side of mushrooms. I, the poached and Alex fried. It was very good, although it was on the small side and lacking the panache of a sausage or smoked salmon.  Really runny, orange yolked eggs and buttery salty toast, exactly what it said on the tin.  With the advantage of hindsight, I have bitter self –reproach that I did not choose the hotcakes…or the egg and bacon brioche roll with mango chutney or any of the more exciting things for that matter. The food and presentation was simple and honest.  The price is what you may expect considering the name and location.  Our eggs were £6, however by far the cheapest option on the menu. The more whimsical plates, which are appreciably more substantial range between £10 -£12, a treat but not criminal.

I liked it a lot. Great coffee, helpful staff and good food.  The restaurant satisfies and could accommodate for every eventuality; take away, alfresco dining, meetings and long lazy catch ups. It’s a great place to sit, relax and people watch. I would be happy to come alone and bring the paper or a good book. We even had two USB ports in the plug sockets; practical but perhaps also a free expeditious advertising ploy. Instantaneous photographic output for bloggers, instagrammers, avid iphone users and eager brunch braggers.  I am remorseful of my prosaic selection but delighted it gives me an excuse to go back!

** NB ** Get the hotcakes!!!!

I thought it was going to be an American Diner

Phoebe went to JACKSON & RYE 15/08/2015

Specs:

Overall Rating:

Average Cost pp: (main, coffee) £12

Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road/ Oxford Circus

http://www.jacksonrye.com/

When deciding on brunch I need a less greedy and more ruthless adjudicator.   If i’m honest, I slipped this option into the ballot more as a frontage to appear that I was not simply appealing to my own yearning. Not wanting to be a brunch tyrant, I begrudging obliged to meet Belle and Elo at Jackson and Rye in Soho.

As if by clockwork our exuberant waitress ‘Tricky’  promptly supplied us with menus and water.  The service was efficient and well oiled, but militant with slightly feigned friendliness. I imagine its me being pernickety, because it was quick and  the staff were cheery and attentive.

From truffled mac n cheese to pecan pie with rye whiskey ice cream the menu would  cause distress for even the most resolute decision maker.  How do you like your eggs in the morning? as im sure most egg dreams/desires/fetishes are accommodated for at Jackson & Rye. My brunch companions and I were clearly not feeling particularly adventurous, all habitually inclined  to order more breakfasty dishes.

I had salt beef hash, kale, poached eggs & hollandaise. The eggs were runny but beef was sparse, hollandaise was average and kale was bland . Kale possesses magical power; its addition to the naughtiest of foods creates the illusion of a nutritionally balanced meal. Deceived by the kale smokescreen, I atleast finished feeling like I had chosen responsibly. Elo had avocado ‘Benedict’ with maple cured bacon,poached eggs, hollandaise, watercress and toast. It was good but she felt the proportions were all wrong. More toast, less avo. It just lacked anything remarkable. Left disappointed, Elo proceed to order a second round of sweet potato fries.   These however were sweet , soft and perfectly salty. Belle’s smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, country style potatoes, spring onion and toast was slightly more promising.  However the eggs were a little cold, and there wasnt huge of amounts of salmon. It was slightly school canteen, nothing notably amazing. Food was agreeable, but uninspired, insipid and certainly nothing to write home about.

It wasn’t what I expected at all. No red leather, strobe lighting, tacky retro duke box or high school cheerleaders on rollerskates posing as staff. The blame for this misconception lay entirely with my ignorance and prejudice.  I often tread with caution when visiting restaurants that have everything but the kitchen sink on their menu. Both pancakes and rib eye together on the menu had wrongly conjured classic commercial, stereotypical chain diner image. It was less deep-south roadside and more 1940’s New York. The interior was stylish with  a well stocked, beautiful bar, art deco cut glass, plenty of brass and low lighting. It was slicker and more refined. Through lack of better description, an embodiment of the American dream. The restaurant was buzzing, lively and busy , if a little too cramped.

Despite the American ‘themed’ menu  the overall ambiance was not too gimmicky, perhaps a few tourists but very much the clientele one would expect from the area. I’m not inherently disposed to a  restaurant of this nature, nonetheless the decor was tastefully novel it felt unaffected.  It was fun, well located and well price . The food was displeasing, but I dont think anybody would argue  you go with the expectation of fine dining, you’re buying into the variety and concept . I  liked the bustle, but it certainly isn’t a quiet lazy Sunday retreat. The stir and animation from the fringing streets cascades into the restaurant, and could be a welcomed perk to an alcohol fueled Saturday night with friends. For me however, brunch is a relaxed, take your time, read your paper kind of affair.  I think Jackson & Rye is more compatible with a boozy supper , an occasion that thrives on a more atmospheric, jazzy and buoyant character.