Exploring--London Fields

We were feeling adventurous this Sunday and I was promised I could have anything I want. So I just had to try this new place that's opened in West End. We don't or haven't explored West End for a long time but I had to try it after hearing the sous chef hailed from Gerard's Bistro and the owners were also behind Public (of Kentucky Fried Duck legend)

Place was easy to find, stands out among the offices, ware houses and soon to be developments of this end of Montague Rd. Sure it seems a bit random and middle of nowhere but this may not be the case for much longer if all the developments go ahead. 

We weren't sure what to expect but was immediate impressed by the decor-- polished concrete offset by wood panelling, rough white paint  and high ceilings --exudes same type of feel as public but a much more relaxed, 'pub like' feel.

Indoor dining space-London Fields 

Didn't make a reservation because we thought it being Sunday night should be no problems. However, did seem quite busy or were expecting to be quite busy so we were put up at the counter next to the open kitchen. To be honest--best place ever, we could see all the action in the kitchen and it definitely made for interesting viewing. I know cos hubby hardly looked at his phone. 

Best seat in the house 

Not too many items on the menu but standouts were clams, bone marrow, sweet bread-- all testament to the nose to tail approach I guess and things you don't see too often. Of course we just had to try it and weren't disappointed. All the food was seasoned well---half the time we have to reach for the salt grinder but not in this case. Bone marrow was melt in mouth gooey deliciousness, I had to fight hubby for it. The flavour of the clams and broth was great but I found lots of sand in the clam meat which was a disappointment. 

Clams 

Roasted bone marrow 

For mains we decided to forego the share plates of the lamb shoulder and pork knuckle as they did seem quite substantial and we wanted to try more of the menu. Settled on the barley risotto with winter veggies, sweet breads, sides of cauliflower and since hubby didn't get his fries at campos--I left him have it here.

Risotto was different, not as cheesy as we expect but not short on buttery flavour (bowl glistened at the bottom). Barley was different but does get a bit taxing to chew after awhile though the veggies were sweet and skilfully cooked (nice texture and retained al the colour, no wilted bits in sight). 

Winter vegetable risotto 

Sweet breads were delicious but did find a nice hunk of pink in one when we cut it open. We asked the waiter if it was cooked well enough as the pink did not look very appetising. Query promptly and politely addressed and we were informed that it's the 'gland' and completely normal. Hubby wouldn't' trust it so went and did a google and all was ok.

sweetbreads

My favourite of the night was the roasted cauliflower. On the back of the cauliflower dish at Gerard's Bistro I had to try this one, especially since cauliflower never makes in to my grocery trolley. That may have to change because it seems cauliflower is delicious when roasted. I'll google a recipe and how to later but it is something i want to eat again and again. The pairing with yoghurt and pickled onion to me was genius-- definitely made a difference to the dish.

Roast cauliflower with yogurt, sultans and picked onion

As for the fries--well they're fries. Hubby made me promise I wouldn't let him order fries anymore as to be honest, we really can't tell the difference between any pomme frittes or McDonalds fries. 

London Fields was a great find, we'd definitely be back but probably would be selective about what time so we don't run into the mass crowds that are sure to congregate here in time. 

I love finding new places to eat, please leave a comment if there's any places you'd like me to try or visit.