With this week’s announcement, the end is in sight…well, just about.
But in the meantime here’s a trio of takeaway bites we munched on recently during our daily strolls, from a cafe, a top pub and a streetfood stall across N19, NW5 and NW1 respectively. Enjoy.
CAFE: Cricks Corner, N19
As we walk past this dinky café en route to Waterlow Park, the enticing smell of bacon wafts our way. We can’t help but stop, and before we know it lightly toasted porky baps are in hand. Made-to-order, the rolls are well-filled with four smoked rashers. But it’s the dollop of smashed peas pimped with lemon and garlic that elevates this breakfast classic, making it sing with freshness.
And if you’re in the mood for additional toppings, there’s cheese, egg, and chilli ketchup for a bit of a kick. The top-quality bread wings its way from Spence and Bread By Bike, and St John raspberry jam doughnuts sit at the counter begging to be bought – we often do. From £5.50 at 80 Dartmouth Park Hill, N19 5HU. Open Tuesday-Friday 8.30am to 3pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am to 2.30pm.
PUB: Bull & Last, NW5
On a recent amble to the Heath, we spy our fave gastropub is offering sarnies as well as their more substantial takeaway and delivery menu. The selection changes regularly, from chunky egg mayo and chicken Caesar to burrata with watercress pesto. Our choice? A couple of appetising-looking beef rolls (see main pic, above).
We devour them greedily back at home with a lunchtime beer. Sourdough with just the right amount of chew encases thick slices of properly pink meat – combined with peppery horseradish cream and tangy slithers of pickled cucumber, it’s a heavenly combo. Sandwiches from £7 at 168 Highgate Road, NW5 1QS. Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-9pm and Sunday 12-5pm.
STREETFOOD: Round Falafel NW1
Head up Parkway, and next to Japanese joint Sushi Waka you’ll find this hole-in-the-wall gem where wraps are freshly made while you wait.
Ours is a vegan flavourbomb: just-fried spheres of crisp yet moist falafel are accompanied by a varied selection of salad. There’s shredded iceberg and chopped tomatoes of course; also eye-catching strips of fuchsia, pickled turnip and chunks of piquant gherkin. To finish, a drizzle of nutty tahini and just a touch of chilli sauce. We request more of the latter, but are warned about its potency.
Turns out, the friendly cook-cum-server was on the money: we absolutely did not need more of his hiccup-inducing fiery elixir – the dribble he gave us was spot on. From £6 at 79A Parkway, NW1 7PP. Open Monday-Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 5pm.
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