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!!!!