Sundays are for lie-ins…well not if you want to nab a table at one of the most popular cafes in North London without having to wait in line with a rumbling tummy.  Sunday opens at 9am on Sundays so I (being the early bird) got there at 8.30am to secure my spot.  It wasn’t as bad as it sounds as it was one of those lovely Autumn days in London where it is crisp with blue skies and the streets were nice and quiet for biking.  

Embarrassingly I was the first person there, but it wasn’t long before a kiwi couple turned up.  After a while more and more people turned up and I realised that I was actually surrounded by New Zealanders (the first giveaway was the abundance of Deadly Ponies handbags and Karen Walker sunnies).  Of course everyone seemed to know one another and before long I actually saw someone I recognised from a hen night a couple of nights before. 

Now all you non-kiwis out there please do not be put off even though I have to admit this place seems to have a cult kiwi following, there were a lot of non-kiwis around too and a few of my English friends who are locals swear by it. 

But a word of warning – get in early as by the time we left (just after 10am) the queue went to the corner of the block!

Go here for: an early brekky if you don’t feel like queuing; a local catch up with friends if you live around N1; good sized portions so no complaints of leaving with a semi empty tum!

Top tips: there may be a secret menu option…it sounds pretty full on (one of those to only order when you are REALLY hungry or feeling particularly naughty) but also pretty amazing…it was described to us as being kind of like the pulled pork waffle that’s on the menu but with chicken that is brined for 2 days before being coated in buttermilk and deep fried served with waffles, maple syrup and coleslaw…; if you can’t decide what to order you can order some items in half portions and share them with the table (or keep them to yourself…no judgment here)

Menu highlights: everyone raves about the courgette fritters served with halloumi, avocado, poached egg, yoghurt and dukkah (which I of course ordered and absolutely loved);  buttermilk pancakes served with berry compote, bacon, honeycomb butter and maple syrup

Price: 2 mains and 2 coffees for about £35 (including tip)

#november2016