Eat17

I've wanted to try Eat 17 forever...well ever since reading Grace Dent's gushing review about how delicious the broccoli is! It's rare to find one of her write-ups without a some slight sub-standard reference and the fact that this spot is just around the corner in Hackney is an added bonus!

I had dinner booked in a few weeks ago, however an hour before the reservation I discovered it's not all that easy to get to and with relentless rain pouring down we rearranged to meet at trusty 8 Hoxton Square. So the second time that I booked in, I was hell bent on getting down there to try this magical broccoli!

The site says Hackney but it's actually Hommerton station E9 that you need to get to, not too far by taxi but if you're getting the tube, you have to jump on the East London overground (four stops from Highbury and Islington). Once there, it's a  five minute walk from the station, not the easiest, but believe me it's well worth the slight effort in getting there! 

The restaurant's located above a Eat17 Spa, however this isn't your bog standard bread, milk and eggs Spa...think delectable pastries, a burger bar, freshly roasted coffee, a refillable wine station from Borough Wines and shelves jam-packed with gourmet high quality produce. I have serious envy for anybody who can just nip out to grab some teabags and get a legendary Eat17 cheeseburger while they're at it!!

Fear not if an evening gourmet grocery shopping wasn't what you had in mind, just follow the neon sign....

...and up and around the stairs you'll find the fabulous Eat17. The decor is cosy yet chic with oversized, Chesterfield-style leather seats, night lights glowing on each table, vintage lamp shades and walls covered with mismatched frames of art and photography - the perfect backdrop for a laid back delicious meal.

I obviously ordered a stiff Hendricks and got to grips with the menu...

Now, I already knew that the broccoli was a must, I just had to shortlist everything else...which I found near impossible as it's a dreamboat of a menu!

After much deliberation I finally decided on the crab and avocado with dirty rye...that avocado deliciousness, meaty crab all piled on top of the crunchy rye was simply plate lickingly good!!

My partner in crime opted for the hot wings, lemon cabbage & blue cheese - a fabulously big portion ideal for wing stealing! Not something I would usually order but after sampling the big bold smokey flavours offset perfectly by zingy cabbage I was a convert! 

Next up mains... now this is where I really struggled. With four options shortlisted, I decided to pick last minute on the spot when the waitress arrived! Chargrilled lamb rump, cumin spinach, yogurt and fried aubergine = absolutely amazing!!! I've dreamt about this dish ever since. The lamb was cooked perfectly pink, bursting full of spices and the spinach was a complete knockout - vegetables aren't seen as a side addition here! YUM YUM YUM! 

Equally as impressive was the jerk duck breast, sweet potato, apple mash and pineapple... 

All topped off by a portion of the famous tempura broccoli with pomegranate and soy! You need to get this in your life right NOW!

Ooops,  how could I have forgotten that delicious bottle of Argentinian Malbec at a ridiculous £16...I told you it was worth the effort of getting there! 

I was left one happy little camper!

I urge everyone to get down there and try Eat17 for themselves, simply great food, expertly cooked that leaves you wanting to come back night after night! After a super indulgent evening consisting of pre-dinner Hendricks, starters, mains, 1 side and a bottle of wine, we were shocked to have only racked up a bill of £80 including tip from the both of us! 

Take me backkkk!!

Eat17

64-66 Brooksbys Walk

London

E9 6DA

+44 (0)20 8986 6242