The Modern Pantry
Rating: Eggs Royal
London brunch review - The Modern Pantry. It is one of the last warm autumn days. Grey, but warm. Sitting outside while having brunch is something heart-warming for every Londoner – I’m not the exception. Aiming for Clerkenwell Road, but no spot in particular, my friend and I spontaneously stop at “The Modern Pantry” where a few tables and chairs outside the front invite us to stay. Knowing that we forgot to make a reservation and it always being busy this is our chance to get a table. And yes - we do! The only downside is – we miss out on the white and grey clear lines of a warehouse-style interior, which actually feels more like a cosy country house, where a warm atmosphere makes you enjoy your food even more.
Since I have been here in the past I expected excellent service – and this is what we get. Right after being placed outside we are asked what we wanted to drink and the cutlery with the white cloth napkin is brought to our table. Since we speak to three different people over the time of our stay I’m surprised that our orders don’t get mixed up, but somehow they seem to manage the communication well.
It makes me laugh that the cocktails are the first thing on the menu – c’mon people, not everyone in London is an alcoholic! I admit though we totally order two Bloody Marys (really good and big ones by the way), but AFTER our brunch ;)
The coffees and smoothies are being served quickly; the only shame is that they are not made freshly, so you can’t change any of the ingredients – the mixed berry smoothie sounds tempting, but unfortunately I’m not a big fan of mint :(
But – hey – let’s concentrate on the food: we order “The Modern Pantry bircher muesli, pineapple, raspberry compote, toasted seeds” to share (always trying to add a healthy bite), “Two poached free range and organic eggs on toast with smoked streaky bacon, slow-roast tomatoes and buttered mushrooms” (Do you have the same sensation? During reading every single part of this meal you immediately want to get it yourself?) and “Grilled cornbread, chorizo, a fried egg, charred sweetcorn, avocado & red pepper salsa” (well, a picture of this was already a hit on Facebook and Instagram when I posted it that day – nothing else to add!).
Filled up with mouth-watering food, eggs boiled to perfection and a Bloody Mary which makes me think of ordering a second one I still can’t resist and check on the food on the tables around us. Yep, it is time to leave – immediately!
Can you see now why “The Modern Pantry” is one of the most sought after brunch spots in the capital? They provide proof of excellent taste in every sense. I highly recommend - go for brunch, London!
Cappuccino: .......................................................................................£2,80
Bloody Mary: ......................................................................................£7,75
Grilled corn bread, chorizo, a fried egg, charred sweetcorn,
avocado & red pepper salsa: ..............................................................£8,80
The Modern Pantry, 47-48 St. John's Square, EC1V 4JJ
Open: Monday: 8am – 11am & 12pm – 10pm
Tuesday to Friday: 8am – 11am & 12pm – 10.30pm
Saturday: 9am – 4pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm & 6pm – 10pm
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7553 9210
Email: enquiries@themodernpantry.co.uk
