Here we are, on the brink of a long awaited and badly needed Spring and it's freezing, raining and generally miserable outside. This combined with an early morning gym induction, and a raging hangover courtesy of some good Spanish wine and bad American Whisky (in the case of Mr Hearn) did not spell merriment for the first day of the weekend.
Thankfully the lovely chaps at The Princess of Shoreditch made it all better with a slap up lunch meal (lunch being an unexpected treat from the aforementioned Mr Hearn may have helped).
We were welcomed on arrival by a friendly waiter and despite our lack of reservations, quickly seated in a cosy corner sport with a view of the extensive wines and bar fare on offer.
Dark wood surroundings, comfy leather seats and mellow lighting helped us slip into comfort and warm up from the miserable rain soaked walk. A quick peruse of the menu revealed a list of creative dishes alongside the traditional - made up of all locally sourced ingredients from New Covent Garden and Kent (local enough for me, the idea of Shoreditch spuds doesn't fill me with confidence).
Dark wood surroundings, comfy leather seats and mellow lighting helped us slip into comfort and warm up from the miserable rain soaked walk. A quick peruse of the menu revealed a list of creative dishes alongside the traditional - made up of all locally sourced ingredients from New Covent Garden and Kent (local enough for me, the idea of Shoreditch spuds doesn't fill me with confidence).
After a short wait, just long enough to prove there was no 'boil-in-the-bag' techniques being employed, our chosen dishes were presented well and just the right portion size to take the edge of the demon hangover.
I had jumped at the chance to try the pie of the day, Steak & Ale, and was not disappointed. A light tomato based gravy coated succulent and tender steak pieces topped with a separate cheese pastry top and a generous helping of creamy, smooth chive mash. The added surprise - side of mini croquettes of green beans wrapped in bacon and coated in a bread crumb worked well, the salty bacon wonderfully cutting through the rich potato . My only request would be for a touch more gravy to be added to help wash down the mash.
My lunch partner opted for the Burger - often a simple dish, the Princess effortlessly worked into a gastro treat with the addition of white truffle mayo and seared foie gras. While I was not brave enough to attempt stealing a 'tasting bite' I am assured that it hit all the right spots - and glided down easily with a pint of Greenwich Meantime Pale Ale, the beer of the month.
A quick coffee desert course later and we were handed the bill. A surprisingly reasonable £20 a head including 3 beers and a soft drink and service.
Living in the Shoreditch/Hoxton area has many ups and downs the proximity to the City, the general creative vibe in the air and of course the Cheap Booze shop are all pitted against the lack of decent eateries and quiet spots. The Princess of Shoreditch provides a much needed light relief and is a grown up alternative to bars it shares a neighbourhood with.
All images courtesy of The Princess of Shoreditch.com
76 Paul Street
London
EC2A 4NE
Tel: 020 7729 9270
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