RELISHING THE RETRO
Brunch lover Bex Davies discovers a unique cafe in Crouch End
When I stumbled across Edith’s House in leafy Crouch End, I found myself stepping directly back to the ’50s via the ’60s and ’70s. Owners Eaton and Michael bring you a retro interior with a unique and cosy ambience that frames superb food. French bulldog-turned-meeter-greeter Roux keeps guests under his watchful eye.
I’m a brunch lover with a sweet tooth – hot chocolate with melted chocolate, top grade Earl Grey with a few grains of brown sugar, cake… You get the picture.
The brunches at Edith’s – oh be still my beating heart. The breakfast bundle – heaven on one of Edith’s best bone china plates – gluten-free potato scone, buttered kale, slow roasted toms and free range poached eggs, drizzled in the house dressing. There are lots of additional ingredients to naughty up the dish, from streaky bacon to black pud and sweet beet.
The hot chocolate is more like a dessert than a drink – pure chocolate, thoroughly melted and whisked with milk – a far reach from the clunky thick Belgian stuff that sets my teeth on edge. This beverage is sublime. Lunch too, straight from Abigail’s Party, without the Gin and Tonic and Demis inclusion, but hear me out. Minted pea scones with smoked salmon, potted shrimp (unpostted for customer ease) with a rustic baguette, eggy bread with goats cheese, pear and pecans is glorious and there’s more, much more – vegan too.
The homemade scones – a cluster of different flavours (coconut/honey/cinnamon/peanut butter), all made to order, are a civilised sweet utopia, slathered in clotted cream and flattered with a choice of home-made jams.
All that and you can sit on the loo. Yes, one of the booths is an old fashioned (very Hyacinth Bouquet) pink bathroom suite with all the crochet and doily action you could wish for.
Downside? It’s really busy, really popular and sometimes getting a seat is tricky but that’s only a testament to the quality and brilliance created by the lads. Love it.
Only please don’t go because I might not get a seat.
20% off Monday – Friday at Edith’s House with The Restaurant Club card. Click here for details
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