Eat & Drink
Originally published on Tuesday, 12th May 2009
Chain Gang
When Soho’s Fernandez & Wells launched their third sandwichery-cum-charcuterie within the same 500 metres, it set us to wondering: at what point has a successful independent enterprise finally crossed over to the corporate darkside?
Leon yielded a while back – their cutely nostalgia-laden wraps feeling just a little less authentic after the launch of their eighth London falafelicious restaurant. The Breakfast Club, on the other hand, have just opened their third brunchie outpost, this one bang on Hoxton Square, and we love it.
It’s certainly not the only mini-chain on the streets. With the opening of The Diner’s fifth space, this in Islington, everyone's favourite burger 'n' shake restaurant is now a concretely recognisable brand.
And Hurwundeki launched a new café in Hackney last Thursday. With two clothing boutiques and one hairdressing salon already under their belt, this might mark the next step on their (certainly left-of-centre) road to global domination. It’s just hard to see vintage furniture playground-cum-cafés as the next Starf*cks, you know?
Fernandez & Wells 16a St. Anne's Court, W1F
The Breakfast Club 2-4 Rufus Street, N1
The Diner Islington 21 Essex Road, N1
Hurwundeki Café 298-299 Cambridge Heath Road, E2
