With the news last week of the staged return of normality, it seems we can’t keep up with the rush of new arrivals across the neighbourhood.
This round-up is by no means comprehensive but let’s start in central Kentish Town: stylishly minimal Turkish cafe, and sister to Bold Cafe on York Rise in Dartmouth Park, Kantin (pictured below by the @secretartistnw5) has just opened in the spot previously taken by Meadows (remember when they launched their dinner service a decade ago?). It serves great coffee, as well as a takeaway lunch menu (for now).
Just about opposite, Smoky Corner, specialising in takeaway burgers and grills at the moment, has finally filled the shoes of the long-gone Annie’s, which for a while was all set to be Turtle Bay.
Up on Fortess Road, Burger Embargo launched its delivery-only kitchen this week at impressive newcomer East West – you can ogle its mouthwatering patties on its Insta @burgerembargo; nearby is the newish ET House Turkish restaurant (name change from Kusadasi). And over in a cloud kitchen on Regis Road is the delivery-only Wing Daddies, the new NW5 outpost of famed streetfood chain Bone Daddies. Read our exclusive preview here to find out what to order.
Swooping down towards the canal, at the top end of Royal College Street outside Dot’s Music Shop, Handles is a super cute little coffee stand perfectly placed for a brew en route to the canal (house beans are Caravan Roasters, as well as rotating guest filters from roasteries such as Plot and Origin); a couple of mins’ amble west back on Kentish Town Road is new bakery Panadera, from the same owners as Mama Sons and longstanding institution Bintang. Corned beef hash sando? Yes please.
Staying towards Camden and we are, like many people, excited by Bad Vegan, the new vegan-friendly – but not vegan – streetfood joint in Buck Street Market, from acclaimed chef Tom Kerridge. It opens in May.
And did you know there’s an actual gastropub launching in April in the Stables? We salute their bravery, as Camden Market is a tricky proposition these days. Anyway, good luck to The Farrier, a 90-cover “restaurant and pub with fire” and will focus on modern rustic dining from a three-Michelin star trained chef Ash Finch, who has worked under Marcus Wareing and Alain Ducasse. Wowsers.
Finally, we recommend another new delivery service: new vegan concept Yefet offers a selection of Middle Eastern and Israeli food, freshly made to order in NW5 (see the menu here) and delivered across North London every Friday by a local independent bicycle service. Look out for our full review next week.
Know of a new opening, or maybe you are opening a new eating or drinking venue in the area? Email us: info@kentishtowner.co.uk
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