An Edible Voyage

July 2021 Looking for a casual restaurant for a laid back lunch with guaranteed flavour, with my mother during a London day trip, I came across Brawn and it seemed to tick all the boxes.  With the smallest of signs, it's unassumingly perched on Bethnal Green's quirky Columbia Road amongst the rows of Victorian shops, and has the high vibe, low pretentiousness of a local hang out. The focus is on seasonal produce sourced through suppliers within the local community, and every dish is vibrant and bursting with flavour.  The dessert really stood out for me - honey parfait with Grappa roasted apricot and pistachios, it was everything I want from a dessert - a little sweet creaminess, lively fruit, a bit of crunch, and a little grappa kick. This is the place for a leisurely catch-up with some good mates. Find Brawn on Columbia Road, opposite Ravenscroft Park. 

September 2019 I had this cheesecake at a very cool cafe, however unfortunately I never established it's name...  Inside was a glorious mixture of colourful art, small sculptures and mis-matched seating, with cushions outside for lazy afternoons and long summer evenings.  The menu was in Ukrainian and the staff spoke no English, but there was an enticing display of sweet treats to choose from, and a coffee can be ordered in any language right?! I was particularly taken with the matcha and chia raw cheesecake - it was a little bland, and had an unusual jelly-like from the chia, however I loved this place for it's vibe, Ukrainianess, and the eclectic selection of art to admire.   Find it on Nyzhnii Val St - look for the outside cushions, just west from Veterano Brownie.