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Cottons has opened up a new Exmouth Market Branch to build
on their Camden success |
Cotton on to the Caribbean
FOLLOWING their success in Chalk Farm Road, Camden, Cottons
have recently opened a branch at Exmouth Market (near Farrington
Tube Station).
The corner building is located at the end of this picturesque
pedestrian passage (if you approach it from Farringdon Road).
It has access at street level to the ground floor restaurant
and bar as well as their “Rum Shack” in the basement
which features live entertainment.
A different variety every evening. So whether you dance or just
watch the show, you will relax and enjoy the convivial atmosphere.
I have been to the Caribbean on many occasions and Cottons score
on all accounts. One does feel transported there. The ground-floor
dining area overlooking Tysoe Street has two rows of tables
facing each other with a bar next to it. Two large doors lead
to the basement with the exhibition kitchen on the right.
There I found Nicky, the Chef in charge on the night I visited.
She had everything under control, seemed well organised and
it was amazing how one dish after the appeared from a relatively
small area.
We sat downstairs. For dinner we had the Saltfish Fritters –
the Cottons Way which was spiced with their Scotch Bonnet (Caribbean
chilli sauce) served with mango chutney (£4.50) and the
Jerked Pork Ribs served on a thick smoky barbecue sauce with
a red onion salsa (£4.75); followed by the mixed fish
curry with green peppers served with basmati rice (£12.50).
Whilst it was very good in taste, the fish had many bones so
you may prefer to order the steamed Red Bream fillets. I was
tempted by the curried goat – a dish rarely seen in London
– but decided to have the Chump of Lamb because it was
accompanied by a sweet potato and vanilla mash and I adore sweet
potatoes. All four dishes were delicious in taste and the presentation
was excellent.
For dessert we had the Mango and raspberry Crème brulee
served with two biscuits (£4.25) and the steamed banana
and ginger pudding which is typical Caribbean. It is more a
cake than a pudding and combined well with the tart flavour
of the balsamic cherries.
Looking discreetly at the other tables I noticed the large dishes
other patrons were ordering.
Obviously they had been there before. Arike explained that these
are the Mixed Vegetable, Jerk Meat or Jerk fish platters (£12.50
for one or £24 for two). I know what I will order next
time I go to Cottons.
We resisted the tempting rum Cocktails and chose instead from
a relatively small wine menu (Five red and six white).
The Pinot Grigio Veneto Villa Romanti at £16.30 was very
good indeed. The ladies toilet has two of the nicest wash basins
I have seen. Cucumber green and pink ceramic tiles — a
great change from the stainless steel or glass seen everywhere
in new London restaurants.
Cottons
70 Exmouth Market, EC1R
020 7833 3332 |
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