What: EartH Kitchen
In a nutshell: New Hackney arts space gets an ex-St John chef running things
Summing it all up: It's taken millions to transform the old Savoy Cinema into a modern arts space so it's good news that their restaurant will be every bit as ambitious with former St John executive chef Chris Gillard running things.
The low-down
Having spent millions transforming the old Hackney Arts Centre into EartH multi arts space, Village Underground owner Auro Foxcroft is now ready to showcase the food side of things.
He's teamed up with Chris Gillard, former executive chef at the St. John Group, to open EartH Kitchen. The restaurant will sit in what used to be the old Savoy cinema foyer up on the first floor of the building. And it's pretty big too - with room for 150 diners.
"I’ve cooked everywhere from St. John to muddy festival fields," says Chris, "EartH Kitchen will draw on all of those elements: an emphasis on traditional hospitality, all food made in-house, and a willingness to experiment."
In practice that means loads of seasonal, pared-back dishes. Small plates of starters could be griddled mackerel with beetroot, leaves and horseradish or maybe pork and duck rillettes with cornichons and toast. Larger dishes include griddled ox heart, chips and house ketchup and slow roast lamb breast with pickled raisins and mint. If you love trad puddings then make sure you leave room for desserts - the steamed ginger pudding with marmalade butterscotch and vanilla ice cream sounds like a must-have.
Given the setting, there'll be live sessions in the restaurant too - with Thursday jazz nights and low-key Sunday DJ sets. They've also got another St John alumnus to run the bar - Toni Castillo has put together a European-focused wine list, and will mix up classic cocktails using seasonal ingredients.
More than just a nice touch is the commitment to the community here too. As Chris explains; "We’re looking forward to welcoming apprentices from Hackney City College. EartH Kitchen is a place for training, and for talent to be nurtured, with the promise of a role in the team at the end of it."
More about EartH Kitchen
Where is it? 11-17 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 8BH
When does it open? 11 February 2019
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @earthackney
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