From the lovely young couple who brought us The Grassy Knoll (RIP), this new addition to the Shore is already becoming popular with the locals. Just a mere hop, skip and a jump from the motorway exit, Willow is easy to get to - even for city dwellers. The only downside to it's location is that it's in the middle of a block of office buildings so it's somewhat lacking in the view department. However, with such great food and service, the view, or lack thereof, is pretty easy to get past.
As for the menu, it's full of modern takes on brunch classics. For example their porridge, which is served with chia seeds, steel cut cinnamon, fruit jelly and fresh cream. Yum! I, however, couldn't go past their eggs benedict, which they serve with a savoury Japanese pancake instead of an english muffin and a wasabi hollandaise. The pancake was full of herbs and spring onions, and the wasabi hollandaise was lemony with a subtle kick. If I had one complaint it would be that the pancake batter was a little stodgy.
Mention must also be made of the coffee. It was absolutely perfect! So good, in fact, that I couldn't help but order another one after my meal. I never do that. read more