A Hot Dinners exclusive
Regular readers of Hot Dinners will know that we're keen supporters of the Irish in London. As second-generation Irish ourselves we're always delighted to be able to bring Londoners a taste of Ireland here in this city.
But we couldn't be more thrilled to break the news that one of our favourite food bloggers and authors Niamh Shields - better known to some of you as Eat Like A Girl - is going into business with top Islington bar Homeboy.
If you've been following Shields since she first started her blog back, you may have tried her food when she had a market stall in London. Or you'll have been enjoying - as we do - the pictures of her daily dishes on Instagram or caught her cooking at a festival or pop-up. But now she's taking over the kitchen at Homeboy on Essex Road where she'll be serving up super bar snacks, comfort food suppers and worth-crossing-town-for brunches.
In the evenings, to go alongside Homeboy’s cocktail menu, dishes will include a variety of Niamh’s takes on Irish favourites including - brace yourselves:
- Taco Fries - with black pudding ragu and chipotle taco sauce
- Buttermilk Chicken Fillet Roll with Korean chilli mayo
- Curry Chip Poutine
- Crispy Potato Skins with Sour Cream and Niamh’s Bacon Jam
One reason to make it over here at the weekends will be the brunch dishes Niamh is planning including boxty (potato pancakes), waffles, and a Full Irish.
And good news for veggies or anyone with dietary restrictions - there'll be meat-free alternatives along with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.
It's all a perfect fit for Niamh's friends (and fellow Irish folk) Aaron Wall and Ciaran Smith who own Homeboy. The bar has only been open since December 2018 but has already made the final four for Best New International Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail 2019, and was ranked number eleven in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars in the UK for 2019.
"I am so excited to get back out from behind the screen and start serving up my food again," Niamh told Hot Dinners. "Homeboy was already one of favourite London bars and Aaron and Ciaran are terrific partners to work with. I can’t wait to get started. The menu is a list of our favourite things from home and where we live now."
The whole thing kicks off with brunch on 22 September - perfectly timed to coincide with Ireland's first match in the Rugby World Cup.
More about Homeboy
Where is it? 108 Essex Road, London, N1 8LX
When does the new menu start? 22 September 2019
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @homeboybars
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