What started out as a recording studio in Shoreditch in 2011, Grind has now grown to eight sites across London serving coffee, cocktails and food. Their newest, on Exmouth Market, replaces Cafe Pistou just opposite Caravan.

Inside, it’s that stripped-back, exposed-brick feel that we all know and love with the addition of pink walls for a bit of warmth. The large bar in the centre dominates the room and loud music creates some atmosphere.

Fried green tomatoes (£5) are most unusual – I’ve never actually had deep fried tomato but it’s really lovely. The addition of meyer lemon, all sharp and zingy, is equally good. Chorizo stuffed dates (£6) come wrapped in pancetta – it’s a delightfully porky mouthful.

Butchers steak (£8) is atop a red pepper sauce which is sweet enough to be a perfect companion for the rare meat. Grilled octopus with grapefruit (£8) is a light and refreshing number – on this wet and windy afternoon it’s a taste of holidays.

Chicken thighs (£11) come with the skin separately and made into a chicken crackling which is so good it should be a dish in its own right. There is sweetcorn, whole and pureed, and monks beard for added texture.

The highlight of our meal is pud; hot apple crumble sundae (£6) mainly because there’s more crumble than fruit. Plus it’s drenched in a toffee caramel sauce. A must order.

With a really chilled-out service, equally relaxed vibe and good grub (not to mention one of the best Espresso Martinis you’ll find in London) it would be hard to find fault with the new Grind. I used to think they were only good for a flat white and avocado on toast – not anymore.

Would we go back? Yes

Grind.co.uk
We dined as guests of the restaurant.