Saturday 8 December 2012

Caravan King's Cross

King's Cross is undergoing quite the transformation.  The renovation of St Pancreas is now old news. King's Cross Station itself has been returned to former glories.  And now it is the turn of the surrounding area. Buildings are popping up everywhere, warehouses are being converted.  And, as with any rejuvenation, improve the fabric of the place and the standard of restaurants will increase as well.  Where once Upper Crust seemed like a treat, now Kerb (formerly Eat Street) serves up some of the best street food in town.

One of those which has set up home in a converted warehouse in the area this year is Caravan - the antipodean eatery also of Exmouth Market, where it has been a resounding success.  

We visited their King's Cross outpost on a sunny Sunday, in desperate need of some brunch.  It had been described by a friend as "the best place in London for brunch" - high praise indeed.  After a fifteen minute wait at the bar (where we were confronted by the least interested barista I have ever encountered - I suspect a large Saturday night may have been at fault) we were sat at a high table in the middle of the buzzing restaurant.  Great atmosphere - all coffees, chit chatter and Sunday newspapers.

The menu is diverse, with perhaps a leaning to the American south - there are grits, corn fritters and  French toast.


After some delays, and a rather confused waitress, my aubergine, yoghurt, poached eggs, sumac and (for en extra 50p) soutsouki sausage arrived.  Everything was fine, although I would have preferred the aubergine to have been warm.  It didn't get me particularly excited.     


The Fashionista had the raclette and spinach French toast with bacon and watercress. It all started so well but, after a while, the Fashionista lost interest - it was all just a bit monotonous.


The food at Caravan was fine.  It was better than middle of the road.  But, the brunch market is pretty keen in London right now.  Bistrotheque and Modern Pantry have both served up real treats in recent weeks. And, given that the transformation of Kings Cross is not yet complete, there is not much (bar a walk along the Regents Canal) to tempt me there.  Food that is simply "fine" just wont cut it.  I don't think I'll be back.


Caravan Kings Cross on Urbanspoon

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