Top 10: Ways to Eat Avocado in London This WeekBy Angelica Malin
Whether it’s on toast, baked with eggs or whipped into a delicious dip, there’s nothing the humble avocado can’t do. Apart from dance. I’ve never seen an avocado dance. Here’s 10 ways to eat avocados in London this week, let’s guac and roll:
What: Avocado, chilli, lemon, olive oil (£4.50)
Where: 11-13 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QD
Why: Not only one of the cheapest, but also one of the best in town. At Caravan, Kings Cross’ own hipster hangout, their avocado is served on sourdough, and the garlicky lemon and olive oil makes it a bit of a savoury treat. It’s more of a crush than a puree, the one to go for if you still like your avocado with a bit of texture. For more avocado on toast inspiration, see our top 5 in London here.
Photo by Paul Winch-Furness.
What: Avocado Royale – oak-smoked salmon, poached eggs, hollandaise, watercress and grilled toast (£8.50)
Why: Because baked avocado is all the rage, apparently. The Avocado Royale at Jackson + Rye is unusual, and really rather delicious – the eggs are cooked inside the avocado and served with a tangy hollandaise. Don’t leave without trying their incredible pecan pie. No, really.
Where: 56 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1D 4JF
3. In a Pancake: Shutterbug Creperie
What: Seared chorizo, vintage cheddar, avocado and homemade smoked chilli jam (£7)
Why: Shutterbug is a cocktail bar and creperie hidden in the heart of Shoreditch, serving traditional French crepes by day and fast becoming one of east London’s hottest nightspots thanks to its bespoke cocktails, large private courtyard, killer sound system and resident DJs from local record shop LoveVinyl. Come for their amazing pancakes, like this total avocado dream.
Why: Burgers and ‘lava-grilled’ specialities in this trendy Americana-inspired cafe with surfboards and bamboo roof is exactly what your weekend needs. Come here for their avocado burger with 100% beef, fresh from their butcher in Devon, made with their recipe from premium cuts of rib. With semi-brioche seeded buns and artisan breads, freshly baked by a Michelin-starred chef, seven days a week. It’s a show-stopper.
Why: From breakfast fit for a king to the final nightcap of the evening, 108 Brasserie is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a truly local all-day dining experience, where its modern British dishes take centre stage. Come here for their amazing weekend brunch – it’s healthy food galore, and the smoothies are top.
Where: 280 Uxbridge Road, London W12 7JA
What: Corn cake and avocado with salsa criolla
Why: Peruvian cuisine loves avocados. We, therefore, like Peruvian food. Come to Andina for their incredible fresh ceviche, but also a cracking weekend brunch. This corn cake comes with a salsa with a kick, and goes perfectly with their Pisco Sours – especially the homemade chilli-infused one.
Where: 1 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DJ
Photo by Paul-Winch Furness
What: Kohlrabi rice, Asian mushrooms, carrot, cucumber, avocado, sprouts, nori, sesame dipping sauce (£12.50)
Why: This gourmet raw food restaurant is one for the yummy mummies of Notting Hill, but don’t let that put you off. You might have to battle some push chairs to get in, but it will be worth it for their sensational and unusual brunch dishes – if you’re around for breakfast, make sure you try their banana pancakes. The dream.
Where: 110 Talbot Road, London W11 1JR
What: Guacamole en Molcajete – Fresh avocado, lime, tomato, onion, coriander and fresh Mexican green chillies, served with tortilla chips. (£8.50)
Why: No Mexican menu is complete without featuring guacamole and at Comensal, theirs is an absolute belter. Found in the leafy suburbs of Clapham, Comensal rustles up authentic Mexican grub, prepared using traditional ingredients and techniques. They boast an impressive Mexican beer and spirit collection and their cocktails are delicious.
Where: 32 Abbeville Road, Clapham, London SW4 9NG
Header image by Paul Winch-Furness