What: Walnut
In a nutshell: Finsbury Park all-day neighbourhood spot
Summing it all up: After 25 years working for Gordon Ramsay and Angela Hartnett, chef Emma Duggan is going solo with this restaurant on Stroud Green Road, just north of Finsbury Park station
The low-down
There aren't many new neighbourhood openings who can attract a Michelin-starred chef to their launch party, unless that top chef happens to be their mentor. That was the case with new Finsbury Park spot Walnut.
The N4 spot opened pretty under the radar about a month ago, taking over the space vacated by Exeter Street Bakery. Running it is Emma Duggan whose CV is pretty impressive - having clocked up 25 years working in the kitchens for the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and most recently for Oliver Peyton at the Wallace Collection and Inn the Park (St James’ Park).
Hartnett appointed Duggan as Head Chef at the Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room and also gave her a stint at Café Murano and Pastificio in Covent Garden too. And when we bumped into her at the London Food Month launch party a few weeks back, she was full of praise for her protegee.
A great supply chain is key to Duggan's plans for Walnut, so Dedham Vale beef, Suffolk Pork, Creedy Carver chickens will come from Essex-based supplier Direct Meats and seafood will be supplied by St. Ives based fishmonger; Celtic Fish and Game.
There's no menu on the website, but a quick look at their social feed shows you can expect dishes like:
- Goats cheese and roast garlic croute
- Lamb rump with celeriac mash and salsa verde
- Grilled lobster half with truffle chips
- Chocolate pot with orange shortbread
They also serve up some rather lovely pastries and coffee from early in the morning - handy for commuters, and weekend brunch is a big thing too.
More about Walnut
Where is it? The Arts Building, Morris Place, London N4 3JG. Opening hours are Monday 7:30-17:00 Tuesday to Friday 7:30-23:00; Saturday 9:00-23:00 and Sunday 10:00-17:00
How do I book? Call 020 7263 5289.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Twitter @Walnut_Dining
