Eat & Drink
Originally published on Wednesday, 14th April 2010
Caravan
Stylishly laid-back diner and coffee roastery
11-13 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QD – 020 7833 8115
Location
On the site formerly known as Al’s Cafe Bar, on the corner of achingly edgy Exmouth Market.
Vibe
A stylishly laid-back all day restaurant, bar and coffee roastery, this relative newcomer is particularly suited to weekend grazing and lazing. Staff are friendly, plates come in all shapes and sizes (priced from £4 to £14) and the freshly roast java is seasonal, if you please, so if you order a flat white anywhere it should be here.
Flavours
An eclectic menu is a concept that can go horribly wrong but here, so far, they seem pretty adept at getting it right, from fluffy, crunchy felafal with apple and pepper relish to crispy trout, sweet potato and salted blackbean leeks. Good things have also leaked out about their fry-up and baked eggs with chorizo.
Décor
Played down, utilitarian chic in the form of bentwood chairs, cafe-style tables and low-hanging light fittings. Floor to ceiling windows along one wall means plenty of light and there’s outside seating available on warmer days. The roastery in the basement, which seats 12, can also be booked as a sort of private dining space.
Upshot
Kiwi chef-owner Miles Kirby cut his teeth at Providores in Marylebone while co-owner Chris Ammermann worked with swanky caterers Urban Caprice so, despite its fashionably low-key attitude, the place has an impressive pedigree. Oh, and waiter Tom is becoming an attraction all on his own.
