The Modern Pantry

Brunch.

Consider it the new black.

Everybody’s doing it. We all want to try out the best spots at the weekend. The big newsflash is, it’s incredibly difficult to try and make a reservation the week of (who knew) in London.

But finally I secured brunch for four at The Modern Pantry. The restaurant has been on my list to try for awhile now.

It doesn’t disappoint. Only a short walk from Farringdon station, suddenly you emerge to a slew of restaurants on the street – along with The Modern Pantry.

So we ventured in. The ground floor of The Modern Pantry is the café section. Cafeteria styled, large groups can sit for their meal. Or couples can squeeze in between the larger parties.

We were ushered up to the first floor restaurant to our table.

And as it was nearing noon, I needed another burst of my caffeine fix.

Obviously opting for black, no sugar while J ordered his standard cappuccino… and added in a spoonful of sugar for good measure.

Once our friends Clare and Olly arrived, we perused the menu.

The Modern Pantry definitely carries some offbeat brunch options. From basic porridge to more exotic dishes like raspberry and ricotta pancakes, they have a range of choices that throw the usual English breakfast idea right out the window.

J, intrigued by the prospect of marmite (again, who knew) ordered soft boiled eggs with buttered marmite soldiers. I was really interested in trying this out, having never tasted marmite before. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t go out of my way to order anything with it. But it wouldn’t stop me from stealing toast off J’s plate.

Olly, also a marmite lover, went strictly for a toasted english muffin that he could slather in the stuff. Let’s just say they brought an entire jar to the table. Is this standard practice? I have no idea. The jams were left untouched.

Clare and I chose a healthier bit of brunch. Honey roast oats, seeds and nuts, and grated apple all on top of a big bowl of natural yogurt. I wish it photographed more beautifully because it truly was delicious.

Honestly, I was close to licking the bowl clean. So needless to say, I’d recommend it.

While we leisurely ate and caught up with each other’s lives the staff left us to ourselves. They never ushered us to leave, despite it’s popularity and the likely demand for the table. Bonus points for them.

The Modern Pantry was a lovely brunch spot to hit up on a Sunday. Though I’d say it’s best to get your reservations in mid week if not the week before. I was quite lucky catching a rare 11:30am time slot.

So if you’re looking for a great tucked away brunch spot, The Modern Pantry is the place to be. Plus, anywhere that takes reservations is golden because no one likes queuing up in the cold winter weather.

xx Kelly