Eat & Drink
Originally published on Thursday, 11th June 2015
JOES ORIENTAL DINER
Southeast Asian flavours with a Hallsworth edge.
Vibe & Decor
Laid back and boozy – how a ‘dive’ bar and restaurant should be. However, unlike its previous Chelsea digs, this place is big, but that’s a good thing. Its long narrow space, which continues to a courtyard (thanks to its floor-to-ceiling sliding doors) and high ceilings guarantee a cool and airy temp, even with the open kitchen firing on all cylinders.
Flavours
Casual Southeast Asian dishes in a dive may be the concept, but with Scott Hallsworth in charge (ex-Nobu chef), there’s no hiding its urbane take on classics. The Thai pork sausages were spicy, mushroom san choy boi meaty, and the pandan shrimp wraps were fragrant and aromatic. For the mains, we went with the duck leg red curry with lychees – sweet, mild and falling-off-the-bone tender. Drinks (alcoholic and non) keep to the Southeast: think lemongrass, cucumber, limes, and iced teas.
Top Tip
For those on a budget, every Tuesday for just £25pp, you can taste your way through the whole of Joe’s menu. Deal!
Highlight
It’s up London Fields way, so make the most of its location (and summer) and pre-drink around the corner up on Netil360, as we did.
Info
The Laundry E8 Building, 2-18 Warburton Road, E8 3FN
