Piece by Kate Antoni, FG London Correspondent
Something for everyone
I’m currently surfing the internet and looking at gluten free sausages because when I’m not eating everything London has to offer, I try to keep a lid on the bread bin. Difficult when working in London, where breakfast options are limited to the carb-fest and every cinnamon bun and pork pie on High Holborn ends up in my mouth (and on my bottom!) Whilst delicious, it’s not exactly balanced or hearty. I was thrilled therefore, to be invited along to Over Under in Earl’s Court to try out their brunch menu.
Simply Delicious Fare
This isn’t a long or complicated affair; they have a few items that are part prepared beforehand and then everything is cooked in the smallest open plan kitchen that I have ever seen. It’s honestly smaller than our miscellaneous under the stairs coat cupboard, but it works so well. Inspirational really because small spaces are far more environmentally friendly and sustainable, plus it really goes to show just how little space a business needs to thrive. Over Under is a special fave for me because it incorporates a laid-back cafe by day and a stylish cocktail bar by night, they have the brilliant “cocktails for a fiver” menu that I’m eager to drink through next week. In the name of research, obviously!
Warm yourself up…
I visited on an especially cold day and couldn’t wait to warm up inside, with something hearty and filling. Situated right opposite Earl’s Court train station, it is the perfect location for brunch on the go. The menu is adaptable and has choices for everyone. It’s a bright space filled with a mix of locals and tourists alike. The staff are really welcoming and pleasant, and the concept is on trend. What more could you ask for?
Over Under
I’d met the founder, Ed Barry, a month ago at the launch night. The cafe’s name stemmed from his dual heritage. (One parent is from New Zealand and the other from the U.K.) Exactly the type of fun fact that food bloggers love!
I ordered a latte with cow’s milk and proceeded to peruse the menu, that I had already glanced at the night before. I went for the chorizo hash adorned with a fried egg. It’s such a fabulous, filling and easy dish that I’ve actually recreated it at home with gluten free chorizo (buy online at www.primalcut.co.uk – they’re the best!) Imagine sautéed juicy chorizo mixed with fluffy mashed potatoes and then fried up, so that it’s crispy on the edges. At home I pair this with garlicky green kale and it’s a quick and easy meal for any time of the day. I really loved the addition of the fried egg, there’s something nothing short of glorious about a runny egg yolk trickling down onto crispy potatoes.
There’s more!
After this very satisfying combo I craved a little sweetness and ordered the granola bowl – there’s a coconut yogurt alternative but I opted for the dairy. It’s a basic but gorgeous bowl, thick creamy yogurt, gluten free crunchy sweet spiced granola from Honey & Co topped with a berry compote, thinly sliced mint and blueberries. Absolutely delicious and very filling.
The art of a great cuppa
To finish my delightful solo brunch, I opted for another latte. The coffee here is supplied from Assembly Coffee, an award-winning coffee roastery founded in 2015 and based in Brixton. The blend hails from Columbia, from a single producer called Beatriz. She works with the Red Associations project, which was set up to help “farmers achieve their self-identified goal of achieving stable and sustainable prices for community coffee lots through improved quality control, shared knowledge, and a connection to the specialty coffee market.” It ensures that quality controls allow for a better all-around environment for producers. A fairer market and improved stability. It means I can be proud of my drinking choices – from bean to (reusable) cup and it means that I can’t wait to return.
https://www.overundercoffee.com
181a Earl’s Court Road, Kensington, SW5 9RD
Thank very much for helping me.