Tag Archives: Caravan

Brunch in London

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Brunch is no longer a meal enjoyed just at weekends. I have noticed that many men seem confused with the concept of combining two meals (breakfast and lunch) to one larger feed, but my girlfriends relish the opportunity to meet and chat over a lazy mid-morning feast. Brunch is cheaper than lunch, but more substantial than breakfast, it can be accompanied with healthy juice or decadent cocktails. In London there are numerous delicious, stylish venues to choose from, whatever the occasion there is a brunch hang-out to suit the event. I’m always on the look-out for new eateries that serve up a brilliant brunch; here are a few of my current favourites in the capital…

Blixen – Spitalfields’ newest brunch hang-out is ultra-sophisticated, a combination of Parisian charm and New York design. Upstairs, the smartly arranged dining room is pale-hued, clean and chic with a floorboarded ceiling, white-washed brick walls and plenty of natural daylight from the large windows. Downstairs there is a tiny cocktail bar which is popular in the evening. Chef Matt Greenwood has created a range of original and tempting dishes, spoilt for choice we chose three to share between two of us. I chose the tropical Good Times juice, an addictive combination of pear, pineapple and ginger. The bacon and fried egg sandwich with gem lettuce and tomato jam was a satisfying savoury option, or opt for Pancakes with blueberries and whipped crème fraiche if you fancy something sweet. Brunch for two – approx. £25.

Hotbox – this glam-rock restaurant serves up a mean brunch with optional unlimited Prosecco. Hotbox is an American BBQ specialist, offering plates of hearty fare and dangerously good morning cocktails. If Bloody Mary’s are your thing you’ll be pleased to discover there are five varieties at Hotbox. For food, Chicken Belgian Waffle is a must try, indulgent crispy salty chicken with freshly-made pillowy waffles and dripping in maple syrup with a sprinkle of truffle salt – it is the ultimate sweet’n’sour combination. I also loved the Mexican inspired Beef Rib Taco with smoked short rib, crispy shallots and chimichurri. Brunch for two – approx. £35.

Caravan, King’s Cross – this is my favourite meeting place for workday brunches. The huge industrial restaurant and roastery is part of the new developments at King’s Cross and is already very popular with the nearby businesses. There are plenty of simple, wooden tables to accommodate everyone, but be warned at weekends seats are scarce and reservations are essential. The coffee is top notch, the team roast small batches daily with the highest quality beans sourced from around the world. The menu is full of divine dishes, I can’t resist the Courgette and corn fritters with chilli jam, herbed feta and rocket. If you are feeling particularly hungry order a side of chorizo! Brunch for two – approx. £30.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 246

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Ever wondered where those colourful cups are from that are found in London’s best coffee shops? I have always admired the sky blue cups and saucers, and have at last discovered the brand that makes these simple classic crockery.

Acme & Co manufactures robust and beautiful cups for the specialty coffee market. Acme & Co is based in NZ and owned and run by a team of individuals with a long history in specialty coffee. The Acme & Co cup range features an extensive colour range; elegant and easy to hold handles; cups sold separately from saucers; plus cappuccino, tulip and flat white cups all use the same size saucer.

Now you can recreate you favourite coffee shop at home, and practise your pouring so you can have the perfect flat white from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Caravan Coffee Roasters is the only UK distributor of Acme & Co, more information here.

Brunch at Caravan, Exmouth Market

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I am always on the look-out for good brunch places, a make-believe meal time I adore. Recently though, the craze seems to be slowing down, and I couldn’t think of anywhere new that I really wanted to try. Luckily my super foodie friend was on hand with a selection of enticing suggestions… top of the list? Caravan.

I walked past Caravan often when I used to frequent Exmouth Market… the aroma of freshly roasted coffee always tempted me but I never quite made it inside. Despite the inconvenient trek from West London, nothing could dampen my first experience of this hub of activity and creativity. Inside, the venue has masses of charm: stools line the bar and friendly tables clutter the floor space. Appetising food whizzes past in every direction, each time I noticed I re-decided that I was going to order whatever THEY were having. There was a danger of me ordering the whole menu.

The range of alluring dishes are made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. There are hearty fuller plates for those substituting lunch with brunch or delicious small cakes and bowls of granola and fruit for late breakfasters wanting treats. The three of us were squeezed in at a cute corner table and soon our creamy, silky smooth (and much needed) coffees arrived. The basement of Caravan has been converted into a working coffee roastery. Here they roast small batches of beans daily using green coffees sourced from around the world. They not only provide Caravan customers with their daily fix, but also supply retail and wholesale customers around London and the UK.

Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm but be warned Caravan gets busy.  We sampled the following:
COCONUT BREAD, STRAWBERRIES, AND LEMON CURD CREAM CHEESE — £7.50
CORNBREAD FRENCH TOAST, BACON, ROCKET AND AVOCADO — £9.00
RASPBERRY FRIAND — £2.00

It was all mouth-wateringly good, but the best was definitely the cornbread french toast… an insanely good mix of ingredients perfectly compiled. The freshly made cornbread is filling without feeling heavy and sweet but savoury, healthy but tasting devilishly naughty. Topped with plenty of soft ripe avocado and crunchy peppery rocket, we savoured every mouthful. The coconut bread with strawberries was a more girly option with a creamy sauce coating the fresh fruit and bread. Raspberry Friand is the ideal lighter choice, for those on the go who want a sweet accompaniment to their coffee.

Caravan serves up the best brunch I’ve had in a while, it’s worth a trip just for the coffee.

http://caravanonexmouth.co.uk/