Friday 14 July 2017

The Modern Pantry

The Modern Pantry
Finding time to go out for meals with friends and a toddler in tow is a challenge; a lot harder than I had appreciated. When Noah was first born he would happily sleep or coo through an entire meal. However, as soon as he reached seven months he was on the go all the time needing constant entertaining and as such eating and enjoying it became a very different story; even stressful at times if he hadn't slept. 

So when friends suggested a catch up over breakfast without Noah, I had one thought in mind; wherever we went it had to be good. I've spent a large amount of time recently thinking about food and a relaxing meal out. I've even been salivating at cookery programmes on television.

The Modern Pantry just off Finsbury Square has been on the foodie list for a while, as it combines two loves of mine, food and beautiful architecture. 
The Modern Pantry
The Modern Pantry is set in the beautiful Art Deco grade II listed Alphabeta Building. The historic exterior hides a modern architectural delight which has just recently undergone a huge reinvestment. Its updated atrium and the first ever ride in cycle ramp are two such changes. I Imagine that you could in theory cycle almost to your desk, should you wish too that is. It even houses a basket ball court and terrace offering amazing views of London's sky line. 

The design of the The Modern Pantry is in contrast to the office space next door, with the restaurant opting for crisp white lines, high ceilings that any interior designer would be envious of, beautiful Walnut tables and orbed lights. 
The Modern Pantry
The Modern Pantry
Their breakfast and brunch menu (7.30-11.30 am) offers lots of choice from fresh fruits, muesli, pancakes, omelettes and cooked breakfasts.

My friend like me has been dreaming about her breakfast long before we step inside, in fact she had studied the menu before coming. She chooses scrambled eggs, toast with; crispy halloumi, buttered spinach, lemongrass roast vine ripened tomatoes (£10.50). 
The Modern Pantry
I'm reliably informed that it was delicious. Especially the scrambled eggs which were perfectly cooked moist and creamy. 

I opt for grilled smoked streaky bacon, coconut & soy braised Portobello mushrooms, lemongrass roast vine ripened tomatoes (£10.50). 
The Modern Pantry
It does come with two eggs and I ask if I can substitute them out, to which I'm quickly advised they don't do substitutions. So I choose halloumi cheese (£2.50) instead to go with my breakfast. 
The Modern Pantry
The final choice on the table is two soft boiled eggs, buttered Vegemite soldiers (£6.00). With an addition of hot smoked scotch salmon (£4.50). 
The Modern Pantry
The Modern Pantry
I had really high expectation for The Modern Pantry but the service for my taste was a little too relaxed. With only six tables occupied, the restaurant was nearly half empty, the service was underwhelming and nearly non existent. The food whilst lovely and fresh was small and considerably overpriced for what you get. I did however love the ambience, the environment is spacious with wonderful lighting and a lovely place for a catch up.

So if you want a very relaxed breakfast in the heart of the City in a beautiful environment, can over look the price, then The Modern Pantry is a good offering. 

www.themodernpantry.co.uk

Do you have any good breakfast or brunch suggestions for me?

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8 comments:

  1. Ah it's a shame it wasn't quite what you expected in the end, especially as it was a rare moment out without Noah! Those scrambled eggs do look rather tasty though! xxx
    Lucy @ La Lingua | Life, Travel, Italy

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    1. It's a lovely restaurant the service just lets it down. Hope that you are enjoying your summer break Lucy x

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  2. That's a shame it wasn't perfect but it does look lovely still. The building is beaut too, love anything art deco! x

    What Josie Did Next

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    1. The building is beautiful and the high ceilings and natural light lovely. I would definitely go back to test their cocktails Lucy x

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  3. The food looks beautiful but rubbish service always puts me off too, it's so frustrating - especially if you actually need to be somewhere!

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    1. Service in London is generally quite hit and miss. I don't mind being left to our own devises but checking that your meal is ok, if you need more drinks and then sharing the bill are basics. Hope your well Lucy x

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  4. The scrambled eggs and the Vegemite soldiers look yummy, it looks like they were a bit measly with your bacon though. Boo. And such a shame about the service, it really can make or break a meal.

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    1. So right service makes or breaks a meal. The food can be wonderful but if the service is rubbish it ruins your overal impression. The bacon was cooked perfectly and I enjoyed the mushrooms. I would go back for cocktails Lucy

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