When my friend suggested lunch at Cafe Route, I assumed that uneducated philistine needed to jump into the sea/be killed with fire. However, it was a mistake on my part - ROUTE was not a spelling error and indication of a bland, soulless French chain but instead, a cool little place in Dalston, just a stone's throw from Dalston Junction and not much further from Kingsland.
The rain was battering down as we walked toward the venue. I spotted outdoor seating and joked we pulled up a pugh. The tables of course were deserted but in hindsight, I know that on a summer's day, there would surely be a Game of Thrones style battle to bag a seat.
Upon entering, we spotted a handwritten sign encouraging patrons to drop their umbrellas into a bucket by the door. Already, I was impressed with this consideration. There was no chance of being impaled by spokes during my lunch. It's the little things that count.
Route isn't huge but despite it being early lunch time on a rainy Wednesday, it was relatively busy. Nevertheless we were promptly seated on a table in the middle of the room. A waiter was straight over to take our drinks order and although I had my eye on the wine of the month from Turkey, my friends insisted on perusing the menu so I pretended that I too did not yet know what to order. Stupid friends.
Despite a strong array of tasty sounding options, I spotted the sandwich of the day on display and the avocado made up my mind. When my dithering friends finally were ready to order, we all went for the chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich on artisan bread with a side of sweet potato and chickpea tahini salsa.
I expected the food to be served immediately but Route has a nice feeling somewhere between cafe and restaurant and we had a small and reasonable wait before all the food was served.
First came my wine - a white, summery Turkish number, just light enough to pass as an acceptable early afternoon drink. Then arrived the main. The sandwich was huge - extremely generous for £5.50; not much more money than a pre packed offering from wherever on the high street. The bread was delicious. I'm not a bread fanatic by any means but the artisan bread was satisfyingly chewy and crusty. The side of sweet potato was also delicious - a small side packed with taste and just the right amount of kick from the chilli to complement the meal overall.
The rogue veggie in our group opted for the salmon dish. Again, it was a generous portion, fresh and colourful. I was racked with jealousy but safe in the knowledge that she was missing out on the bacony goodness.
We were all a little surprised by the size of our lunch but despite polishing off almost everything (the Route staff duly obliged in boxing up the final bite of my friend Sophie's sandwich), it was essential to have a gander at the cake display. I played it safe, opting for the gluten free brownie which was utterly delicious. My only complaint is that I may have preferred to eat it in bed, clothed in my pyjamas.
Normally, I don't get too excited about heading to Dalston where everything is too hip, too random and too expensive for my prematurely Middle Aged self. But I'm sure I will be back soon for another trip to Route. Not only was the food delicious and excellent value (£21 including service charge for a main, side, glass of wine and dessert!) but the ambiance was relaxed and welcoming. No onslaught of Dalston douches here - groups of chatty friends, mums with animal onesie wearing toddlers, solo diners and lap toppers - there was a full representation. And the staff were efficient, attentive and polite to a fault.
Don't listen to Razorlight. DO go back to Dalston! read more