Friday 17th April - Street Feast should need no introduction, but just in case: it's your one stop shop for street food, booze, music, people, and a party atmosphere. London's calling card after 5pm.
The doors to their three-storey Hawker House popup closed recently, but fear not - Model Market has just launched in Lewisham, and two more sites in Dalston and Shoreditch are on the way.
Model Market was one of the highlights of 2014. I have fond memories of an evening spent eating Smokestak ribs and Breddos tacos in their converted 1950s market with the World Cup on in the background. It's started a little earlier this year, so the sun might not always have his hat on, but there's plenty of covered space in their eight unique "micro-diners" plus the customary Street Feast fire pits to keep you warm.
What's new? Most of the traders are familiar faces these days, though this is a first Street Feast outing for Kerb regulars Bill or Beak. There are five bars this time around, including the new "Lewisham High Line" rooftop space. More exciting though is a well-stocked craft beer can bar featuring the likes of Oskar Blues, Ska Modus and Sly Fox from the States.
What to eat? Ideally, everything. Go with a big group of friends, and get a taste of as much as you can. Here are some highlights from our recent visit:
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#1 - Rola Wala - Twisted Indian street food from Mark Wright & co.
You can't have just one of Rola Wala's naan sliders - get all 3 for £9. Kashmiri Chicken with coriander, red onion pickle, fresh lemon, and sweet mango chutney; 12 Hour Goan Pork Roast with fresh curry leaves, telecherry pepper, and pear and tamarind chutney; Keralan Daal - beetroot, paneer and coconut channa dal, coriander, lemon raita, and mint and lime chutney. Wash them all down with one of their Mango, Turmeric and Lime sodas that they have created with Square Root London.
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#2 - Bill or Beak - Mighty duck, pork & chicken burgers from Josh & Lucy
Bill or Beak? Bill AND Beak. You're going to want both of their overflowing burgers, and a side of Hoisin fries to boot. The Bill involves a mountain of shredded duck and pork, spring onions, coriander, mint, vietnamese dressing and tempura shallots. The Beak is even harder to eat - a tonne of grilled, corn-fed chicken, Caesar anchovy dressing, tempura capers, rosemary croutons, and fresh parmesan. Awesome.
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#3 - Yum Bun - Super soft steamed gua bao buns from Lisa and friends
You can't go wrong with Yum Bun. Edible pillows filled with all the delicious things. Choose from:
- Roast duck, cucumbers, spring onions, spiced plum and duck scratchings
- Slowly roasted pork belly, cucumbers, spring onions and hoi sin sauce
- Japanese fried chicken, chilli dressing, lettuce, tarutaru sauce
- Panko fried pollack, spicy gochujang mayo, lettuce & pickles
- Crispy prawns, green chilli sambal, kewpi mayo, lettuce
- Portobello mushroom, miso glaze, toasted walnuts
Finish off with one of their deep fried dessert buns if they have them - Coconut Ice Cream with Miso Butterscotch and Praline Ice Cream, or Coffee Ice Cream drizzled with Condensed Milk. Glorious.
Once you've worked your way through those, start ticking off the rest. Mama's Jerk, Smokestak, Cheeky Italian, Spit & Roast, The Beefsteaks and Mother Flipper are all deserving of your savoury attention, whilst SE Cakery and the Meringue Girls are covering the sweet side of things. Head to the latter for your fix of sparkly unicorn poo. Sorted.
Model Market is running all the way through to 24/25 September, every Friday and Saturday from 5pm, with £3 entry after 7pm. Lewisham is a short train journey from Charing Cross, Waterloo East or London Bridge. Don't miss it.
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In other news, two consonant cocktail club chains have opened new branches around the Capital.
First up, Barworks have opened 5cc at Singer Tavern, the fifth in a series of cocktail bars hidden inside their excellent pubs. You can find the rest at Well & Bucket, Exmouth Arms, Electricity Showrooms, and Harrild & Sons.
The Singer Tavern itself has only just opened, making use of a Grade II listed building dating back to 1929 that was originally conceived to house the HQ of the iconic Singer Sewing Machine Company.
Both the pub and the clandestine bar have an enormous selection of bottles at their disposal including 16 types of Amaro and Fernet, and a boat load of gins to help with their nine strong Martini list. The House Martini makes use of a gin from Barworks' own East London Liquor Company distillery & bar that also produces vodka, rum and (eventually) whisky.
First up, Barworks have opened 5cc at Singer Tavern, the fifth in a series of cocktail bars hidden inside their excellent pubs. You can find the rest at Well & Bucket, Exmouth Arms, Electricity Showrooms, and Harrild & Sons.
The Singer Tavern itself has only just opened, making use of a Grade II listed building dating back to 1929 that was originally conceived to house the HQ of the iconic Singer Sewing Machine Company.
Both the pub and the clandestine bar have an enormous selection of bottles at their disposal including 16 types of Amaro and Fernet, and a boat load of gins to help with their nine strong Martini list. The House Martini makes use of a gin from Barworks' own East London Liquor Company distillery & bar that also produces vodka, rum and (eventually) whisky.
There are 20 more signature cocktails on a fairly epic list including Loosie D'Ouro (Glen Moray Port Cask, P.F.Curacao, Tio Pepe, vanilla, chocolate & chilli betters) served with a Paul A. Young truffle, and Dolce Far Niente (Mount Gay Black Barrel, Nardini Rabarbaro, Cocchi di Torino, Pecan Bitters & Blackcurrant Jam).
The bar staff impressively stay on top of things banging out great drinks at high speed in what could have ended up as another average high-volume bar. Get down to 5cc at Singer Tavern with a big group rather than a date and make the most of that spirits selection.
More photos on Matt The Tumblr here
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The latest site is a “cocktail pharmacy” in Islington on Essex Road. An “Apothecary Off-License” shop and masterclass space at the front is just a cover - head through the “Staff Only” door to find the main bar, plus some extra hidden spaces including “A&E” (Alcohol & Entertainment) out the back.
Make no mistake - this is a party bar. On Mondays you can get 2 cocktails for £10 all night, or Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm-8pm. Hanging lights will be swung, bartenders will be set on fire, drinks will be smoked. Order your way through their section dedicated to great bartenders, or warm up with a few boilermakers, and enjoy the carnage.
"1, 2, 3.... L C C!"
It looks so delicious! Love to try it once.
ReplyDeleteModel Market - 5CC at Singer Tavern - LCC Islington is a delightful convergence of culinary creativity and vibrant atmosphere. This fusion of delectable cuisine and lively ambiance creates an unforgettable dining experience that sets it apart. Whether you're savoring the innovative dishes at Model Market, enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at 5CC, or immersing yourself in the charm of LCC Islington, this destination encapsulates the spirit of modern gastronomy. It's a place where flavors come alive, and memories are made, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique culinary journey.
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