Kentish town’s newest addition to its thriving dining scene has just launched a brand new eat-in menu.
And the good news is that readers can get an exclusive 15% off if they simply mention Kentishtowner when they book or sit down at Smoky Corner.
As we said in our last news story on the opening back in March, the new corner restaurant at 180 Kentish Town Road is the latest occupant of a truly landmark local building. Built as The Wolsey Tavern in 1896, the pub remained unchanged until 1993, when it was renamed Auntie Annie’s Porter House, with subsequent incarnations retaining variations of that name. Most recently it was the ornate, and slightly legendary, Annie’s Bar.
Earlier this year the venue, boarded up for several years, was finally given a new lease of life as a contemporary neighbourhood restaurant with a distinctive mauve exterior.
Its menu centres on a charcoal grill, and owner Tural, who used to run the rather lovely Natural plant-friendly store and cafe down the road, explained at the time that their mission is to serve locals impeccable American-style burgers – with a European touch.
“We’re on a journey to bring back this establishment to its former glory and deliver tasty dishes in the heart of Kentish Town,” he says.
The venue boasts a variety of unique spaces over two storeys. At ground level is a warm and welcoming dining room with open kitchen staffed by Head Chef Daniele Mingarelli and his team. Meanwhile, in the basement is a cosy dining room for functions such as birthday parties, private dining and Christmas parties.
Smoky Corner: dine-in menu highlights
From the new eat-in menu, must-try starters include: Smoky baba ghanoush and flatbread, marinated cured (in-house) salmon bruschetta, or courgette flan with parmesan sauce. There’s also chilli garlic prawns, a house hummus flatbread and Smoky mac ‘n’ cheese.
Meaty new mains including a signature Smoky rib-eye with red wine reduction and greens with lemon, chilli and garlic (pictured above); and a T-bone steak with shaved parmesan and balsamic glaze (both £19).
The instantly popular burgers are still there, too. Try the Smoky Burger (£12.50, above), a low-fat beef patty with smoked paprika and thyme, topped with black truffle, halloumi, tomato relish and sweet potato crisp; or simpler cheeseburger (£10) with secret house burger sauce, white onion, gem lettuce, cheddar cheese, and sweet paprika. Pescatarians can enjoy a light and tangy salmon (£12.50) patty with thyme, lemon zest, red onion and fresh Cajun mayo, while a Smoky vegan cheese version (£12.50) comes with roasted vegetables, seitan, chickpeas, black beans, mushroom and oats, and roasted red pepper mayo.
Finally, there’s a pasta menu: home-made lasagne, in-house made tagliolino with creamy scampi sauce, a Smoky parmigiana or a simple classic arabbiata. There are also Middle Eastern and classic French Caesar salads, but spare a thought for the sides: asparagus gratin, anyone? Or rosemary and garlic new potatoes, or even sweet potato fries? Yum.
Desserts? Sweet-toothed diners should tuck into classics like a house tiramisu and creme brulee, but our tip is the Smoky souffle eggs loaded with dark chocolate, butter. One to share.
Get 15% off if you dine in by quoting Kentishtowner. Smoky Corner, 180 Kentish Town Road NW5 2AE. Call 020 3198 3192. Check out more about the menu on the website.
If you are a business who would like to work with us on a sponsored post to reach thousands of locals, please email info@kentishtowner.co.uk
