Review on Merchants Tavern
Michelin-starred Murano chef, Angela Hartnett and her partner Neil Borthwick have teamed up with Dominic Lake and Patrick Clayton Malone, the founders of the Canteen group with the opening of the Merchants Tavern in October 2013. Situated just off Great Eastern Street and a short stroll from Shoreditch High Street, this new venture is set in a part-glazed Victorian warehouse and apothecary shop, formerly occupied by Cantaloupe. The name of the restaurant comes from Borthwick's time working alongside critically acclaimed French chef, Michel Bras who believed that chefs are modern day 'merchants of good fortune' and is an update on the classic tavern.
The smart interiors have a relaxed and warm vibe, created by Hackney based designers Very Good & Proper to reflect the heritage of the building. Seating 130 diners with a spacious bar, a private dining room called The Storeroom, and restaurant featuring hardwood and natural materials with semi-circular leather banquettes, it is flooded with light from the skylight above.
Diners can watch all the action in the open kitchen, where the chefs create a menu offering modern dishes with a pronounced European accent, using the finest ingredients. To kick start proceedings there's roast quail, hazelnut pesto, remoulade and foie gras or fish lovers could choose the pickled mackerel, orange and chicory and horseradish. Main courses offer roast loin of venison, braised red cabbage and sprout tops or from the sea there's roast brill, coco beans, anchovies and bread sauce. Among the delights when it comes to desserts witness a London honey tart, paired with malt whisky cream and crème fraîche or rum baba, caramelised apples and raisins.
The wine list showcases an excellent selection from French, Italian and Spanish vineyards with plenty of options by the glass, together with zesty cocktails, craft beers, British ales and ciders.
Merchants Tavern is also featured in: Hardens, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern European
Chef
Angela Hartnett and Matt Edwards
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 9.00 - 11.00am Mon-Fri (10.00am - 1.00pm Sat & Sun Brunch)
Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm Mon-Sat (1.00 - 5.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 11.00pm Mon-Sat
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card