Despite living right around the corner from Hide & Cheek, I have been procrastinating about going there. One reason for this is that I'm a little bit sad about the demise of Land of Siam, the Thai restaurant that used to be at this location, because it was a staple in my lazy Friday nights when all I want to do after work is collapse on my couch with some pad thai and a bottle of red. But then Derby Thai moved in down the road, so that helped the Thai issue (even though I really liked the Land of Siam in particular). The next reason for procrastinating about Hide & Cheek was their choice of font in their signage. No, really. Maybe I hang out with too many graphic designers or something, but this is a really naff font choice. Font matters because this made me think this was going to be a really naff place.
While I would still love to give their signage and their menu layout/design a complete overhaul, this is actually a nice little local cafe. Inside it is quite light yet warm and cosy. There are some good choices on the menu. I had the Mermaid, which is an egg white ommelette with honey vodka cured salmon, spinach, toast and hollandaise on the side (my favourite little touch, as you can make it as healthy or unhealthy as you like). Next time I happen to wander down I intend to try the Speedy Gonzales, which was baked beans but with the genius touch of haloumi, which makes every breakfast a winner. The coffee was good, but I prefer mine a little hotter. They do, however, use Bonsoy, which is a big mark in their favour.
So the food was good, the service was fast and friendly...but I still can't get over that font... read more