November 17

London Eateries – Jones and Son – Much enjoyment to be had under the arches

Posted by Editor on November 17, 2014 in Drink, Eating Out, Food, London, London Eateries | Leave a comment

I remember a time when all the fun happened behind the bike sheds and THAT was the secret place to go for a good time. Well times have changed and all those in the know now head to railway arches all over London, for closeted pop ups and get downs for East London hipsters and this new addition in the Trip Kitchen space is definitely one to get down to.

Trip Kitchen is tucked away on the back of Kingsland Road near Haggerston station in a dark and decadent space under the railway arches and is a the home for Jones and Son for the foreseeable future. I took the boy there on a chilly autumnal night and found a cosy, welcoming space for the achingly cool to enjoy hearty modern English food, a chilled vibe and killer cocktails.

A welcoming space for the achingly cool to enjoy hearty modern English food, a chilled vibe and killer cocktails.

There is warm glow when you approach as light shines through the wall to ceiling glass front, and that offers an inkling of what to expect. There is a comfortable bar space at the front with tables and chairs outside for those ambitious when facing the winter weather, or those feeding the need for nicotine. Most of the space though inside opens up to the restaurant which you feel cocooned within with the exposed dark brick, low lighting and womb like ambiance, the tables are close together, but comfortable and there is a definite buzzing vibe from the music, staff and chatter . Definately a good space to eat, drink and enjoy!

So we squeezed into the back of the restaurant and for warming purposes only. I immediately ordered a margarita, and the boy who wasn’t drinking just sparkling water. It arrived punchy, with a backbone and was most welcome and was to set the tone.

Now to eat, the menu is scribed up on a chalkboard sitting on the wall at the back of the restaurant which was above our heads and consists of small dishes all priced at £7 and the mains at £11. The menu provides a good spread of sea, land and soil. For starters we went for the duck hearts on what i think was toasted pain de campagne, and the squid with a parsley crumb and cmorcilla. The former I found a bit chewy but well seasoned and flavoured with garlic , however the squid was divine – perfectly soft and moreish.

The menu provides a good spread of sea, land and soil.

So to the mains! I ordered the onglet on the waiters recommendation and wasn’t let down. Great seasoning, nice grill flavour and well cooked (med rare). The chips were crispy and fluffy; i could have had 2/3 servings alone. The boy had blushing pink, flavoursome and juicy lamb, lentils, beetroot and goats curd , a really interesting mix but it worked.

To finish we had a cheese board and sticky toffee pudding – the peeerfect finish to a hearty meal, and along with a couple of glasses of wine – all in all it really hit the spot. The sticky toffee pudding we would return for alone!

So to sum up! Jones and Son – passionate cooking in a cosy space in a destination space.. Modern British using clever dare i say cheap cuts which are currently all the rage and doing them well with a few twist. What more could you ask for on an autumn night? The only gripes were that the music got a bit too loud, so we had to shout and that we had to keep moving out table so that people could get in and out of the tables next to us, but hey when you get food at this price of this quality and punchy cocktails to boot.. who cares? Under the arches is definitely the place to check out and enjoy.

http://jonesandsonsdalston.com/

Jones and Son, BELOW, Pelicans & Parrots, 81 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, N16 8AD

020 7241 1211

Cuisine: Modern British

Heart London 5* rating

Décor 4