Eat 17 is my local bar and restaurant and I hold it close to my heart. Located in the charming Walthamstow Village, it is has become a ‘Stow institution. It serves honest, hearty British food which is ethically sourced and locally obtained where possible; meat comes from East London Sausage Company just over the road and fresh fruit and vegetables come from Spitalfields. The famous Bacon Jam was born at Eat 17, a jam, spread and relish that has its own Twitter account and has been featured in British Vogue.
The restaurant is tasteful and stylish with wooden floors, colossal brown armchairs and comfy silver-grey pouffes. The wood-panelled bar is draped with silver and lit up with cool spotlights. A silver moose head gives it an edgy country house feel. It is unpretentious and friendly with a range of diners – proud locals, hip young things hanging out at the bar ready for Saturday brunch and dreamy couples on a clandestine mid-week date. Come the weekend, and it is fit to bursting with families young and old laughing and chatting. Possibly controversial, but I think Eat 17 has the best roast in London so you will need to get there early on a Sunday as they do not take bookings.
Did I mention the food and drink is pretty good too? Grab yourself a Meantime Pale Ale at the bar to kick off proceedings, or select a cocktail from the small but perfectly formed menu. Starters include Marinated Grilled Mackerel with Beetroot Salad, or opt for a Tidbit of Piggy Puffs and Apple Ginger Puree. Mains are generous and flavoursome, the Sweet Potato Pie with Roasted Shallots, Goats Cheese and Thyme, served with silky buttered spinach defeats a hangover. Desserts are comforting and ashamedly British, including Apple and Blackberry Crumble with Custard.
My True London tip: arrive early with your favourite people, prop up the bar with a glass of sparkling Prosecco and request the alcove area, tucked away from the main restaurant just to the left of the bar. Sample the spectacular roast with all the trimmings and squeeze in a dessert. Follow with a stroll around the Village to walk it off.
A perfect East End Sunday.
NicolaG
