5 Places You Have to Visit In London Fields
Although the weather hasn’t quite been living up to it, we’re half way through June and the English summer is here… sort of. And one of The Handbook’s favourite places to enjoy the sunshine (when it peeks through the cloud) is East London hot spot, London Fields. So to tempt you to venture down there yourselves, we thought we’d give you a guide to the best places to eat and drink by the fields.
Best for Dining: Cat & Mutton
What: Local pub and dining room by Broadway Market
Why: Throughout June, the Cat & Mutton plays host to a gastro residency from Check On, where you’ll be able to sample foodie delights such as Cauliflower fritters with wild garlic yogurt, Moyallon sugar pit ribs with English mustard mash and roasted onion, and the much-raved about Eggs and soldiers – dippy vanilla cream and mango ‘egg’ with shortbread soldiers. If that’s not enough, their Sunday Recovery Sessions are a great lazy-day option, serving Bloody Mary’s and classic Sunday roasts.
Where: 76 Broadway Market, Hackney, E8 4QJ
Website: www.catandmutton.com
Best for Drinks: Pub on the Park
What: Field-side pub and events space
Why: Alongside the sunshine, the summer brings a wealth of sporting events, from Wimbledon in late June to the rugby World Cup in September. Pub on the Park screens the majority, meaning you don’t have to stay cooped up inside to stay on top of who’s winning what, and it serves a great selection of wine and ale to sip while you cheer your team on. The Handbook also recommends their range of function rooms, which can be privately hired for special events and get-togethers.
Where: 19 Martello Street, Hackney, E8 3PE
Website: www.pubonthepark.com
Best for Indulging: Broadway Market
What: Saturday morning community street market
Why: Why on earth not!!? Broadway Market brings together some of the best food and drink the capital has to offer. And all within a short stroll of Regent’s Canal, which makes for great walking in the summer sunshine (when it decided to show face). The Handbook recommends starting with one of Le Swine’s gooey egg and bacon baps (you’ll find them in the school yard by the fields) before treating yourself to an authentic Italian gelato from new-kid-on-the-block (or stall-on-the-market) Nonna’s. Then pick up some banana buttermilk bread from Violet Cakes to take home and indulge later on…
Where: Broadway Market, London, E8 4QJ
Website: www.broadwaymarket.co.uk
Photo Huiting Heng
Best for Happy Hours: The Richmond
What: Oyster Happy Hour
Why: The Richmond celebrates raw fish and shellfish, pimping what is usually a classic dish with contemporary European flavours – think tuna tartare with aubergine, harissa and mint, and Scallop carpaccio with Sicilian citrus and basil. They also host a Happy Hour, serving oysters for £1 each Monday to Friday from 6pm – 7pm and Saturday 5pm – 6pm. Not a seafood fan? Don’t despair, they also serve up a great cheeseburger with fries and amazing 35-day-aged prime rib steak to share.
Where: 316 Queensbridge Road, London, E8 3NH
Website: www.therichmondhackney.com
Best for Grazing: Lardo
What: The best salume
Why: Lardo source their Salume from special pigs – pure bred Mangalitza and Wild Board Cross to be precise. They offer four different types, including fennel pollen salami, ‘lardy’ loin, coppa and speck, all of which The Handbook recommends you try before tucking in to some antipasti, primi, secondi, a pizza and finally their sweets and cheeses (we also recommend you don’t eat anything before you go as you’ll need an appetite!). Go for the zucchini flower and cow’s curd pizza on a gluten-free base if you’re all meated out from the first four courses.
Where: 197-201 Richmond Road, London, E8 3NJ
Website: www.lardo.co.uk
