The scene This newly opened restaurant on Exmouth Market has loads going for it: top food; a great, lively atmosphere; rustic, odd-chaired decor; an open kitchen giving it laid-back personality; and passionate and friendly staff. Its potato-based menu (they’re in pretty much everything on the board) means it’s going to be carb-heavy, but this indulgence just makes it even more of a delicious treat.
The grub Starters, mains and desserts are all based on the underground-dwelling little pomme de terres. Merchant crisps, potato soup, black pudding croquettes – these are some of the appetisers to get you in the mood. I opt for the rabbit terrine starter, which is top drawer.
Mains include flank steak, red gurnard, lamb stew or duck confit and all come with a choice of nine accompanying spuds: mash, Jersey royal, dauphinoise, boulangère, Anna, juniper pancake, French fries, beef dripping chips and patatas bravas. Purely in the interest of providing you with as comprehensive a view of the menu as possible, my dining companions and I sampled them all.
The verdict returned that all were ace: dauphinoise was for the calorie-loving carb-hound, and the Anna was crowned our fave. A tater-infused lemon drizzle cake was a winning final round offering, with the bread and butter – and potato! – pudding triumphing in the dessert contest, if only by a whisker.
If you don’t fancy it, you can opt for a potato-free salad option, but why would you?
Behind the bar English wines feature on the menu, but we decided to go with crisp Tantehue sauvignon blanc.
Bill please Starters from £2.50; mains from £10.50; potato sides £3.50; desserts from £4.50. Beers from £4; wine from £3.80/ £23 per glass/ bottle.
Verdict Simple intent carried off with panache, this is a fun, lively and inventive evening’s dining, as well as being open for weekday brekkie bites, lunch and weekend brunches. You’ll want to ditch the Tube home though in favour of a brisk walk to churn off all those calories.
55 Exmouth Market,
Clerkenwell, EC1R 4QL
Tube | Farringdon
thepotatomerchant.com
