Rochelle Canteen is currently my favourite place for a quiet breakfast, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Co-owned by Margot Henderson (wife of St John owner & nose-to-tail-eating evangelist, Fergus) together with long-time collaborator (27 years and counting), Melanie Arnold, it’s a bright little eatery housed in a re-purposed bicycle shed, looking out to a pretty little garden with a small green lawn. The mature trees of Arnold Circus loomed in the background.
Getting to the Rochelle Canteen can be quite a challenge. Firstly, because it’s so inconspicuous, located over a high red brick wall that encloses Rochelle School on Arnold Circus. Look out for the small board on the pavement.
You push on the electric buzzer to gain entry. Once inside, you’re in what seemed to me like a secret garden, away from Shoreditch. Brick Lane, just 6 minutes’ walk to the east , seemed worlds away.
The indoors seating portion is just about as sunny as being outdoors.
The lunch and dinner menus, which change daily, are very inventive. Breakfast, which I had here, is more predictable: cold pressed juices, eggs on toast, granola, yoghurt, porridge.
I chose fried eggs with bacon on sourdough toast.
I need to come back for the “real stuff” served at lunch. But simply for the atmosphere, there’s no beating this place.
Address
Rochelle Canteen
Rochelle School, Arnold Circus
London E2 7ES
Tel: +44 20 7729 5677
Opening hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 9am-11am, 12noon-3pm
Thu-Sat 9am-11am, 12noon-3pm, 6pm-9m
