Things have been moving so fast in Hoxton and Shoreditch recently, that we'd (almost) be forgiven for missing a new opening. Which is a long way round of saying that Monikers on Hoxton Square crept up on us but certainly looks worth checking out - particularly with its about-to-launch bus-themed private dining room.
Using old bus parts from a MCW Metrobus this will take over the mezzanine part of the restaurant which is housed in an old school gym. The main restaurant itself seats a further 50 downstairs, in which they're serving both large and small plates. Those on the small side include buttermilk chicken (£4), potted clams (£4.50), soused mackerel with aioli (£5.50), black pudding Scotch eggs (£3.50) and a Cornish crab, fennel and blood orange salad (£8).
On the larger side, there's roast wild duck with crushed celeriac and baby onions (£13), sea bass en papilotte (£13), wild rabbit stew with leeks and carrots (£10) and guinea fowl breast with savoy cabbage, salsify and pancetta (£14). To finish with, there are cinnamon doughnuts with strawberry jam and clotted cream for dessert (£6). They also serve up brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am<./p>
Head Chef is Richard Teague who worked with Adam Byatt at the Hospital Club and also headed up the kitchen at Market in Camden. He's supported by Luca Scanu who's running front of house and whose claim to fame is managing at Crazy Bear, where he wrote the cocktail menus.
Speaking of cocktails, there's a small list around the £7-£7.50 mark and a wine list that starts at £17.50.
Monikers is open now at 16 Hoxton Square, Hoxton, London N1 6NT every day (bar Monday when they're closed) from 10am til 11pm. They offer a full brunch menu Saturday and Sunday and coffee and cakes only weekday mornings. You can follow them on Twitter @monikershsq and book at 0207 739 6022.
