Tipped

Cute but Shallow

July 19, 2008

The Turk's Head has a few things going for it: 1) it's in a really cool old pub, 2) the people are nice and the room is light and comfortable (including some big cushy couches), and 3) they have one of the best outdoor spaces in London, like a private patio right on the peaceful and leafy Wapping Gardens. The Turk's Head is a great place for a leisurely brunch on a sunny day, and it would be a destination restaurant if the food was good.

But, alas, the food is not so good. You can get a fairly standard fry-up, but don't expect anything more than that. If you're a fan of eggs Benedict, believe me, don't order it here or you're destined for disappointment. The place is so cute and in a relatively posh neighbourhood, one might expect a quality breakfast, maybe even something gourmet; but what you get is your average London caff in disguise. Despite the low rating for the food, I do like the Turk's Head: if you're looking for a cheap fry-up in nice surroundings, the Turk's Head is a solid option.

Tags: breakfast, cheap food, outdoor seating, views, low key

Right every time

February 26, 2008

The Turk’s Head Café is a proper old school eaterie with the added bonus of a range of healthy options, veggie meals and modern, healthy options mixed in with excellent fry-ups and thoroughly unhealthy all day breakfast fayre. The location, tucked away by Wapping park just off the historic and picturesque High Street makes the Turk’s Head an excellent spot for a lazy Sunday brunch in the summer, and a welcome winter warmer bolt-hole.

But don’t think this is a low rent cafe, the quality of the ingredients is excellent, the food is made in a very genuine home-cooked style with big portions but it’s not coming out of tins and reheats from the microwave. The family who run it know the food business and appreciate that fresh hollandaise sauce and proper ham makes the difference between good Eggs Benedict and heartburn. The fact the place is always full is testament to this. Excellent for breakfasts, jacket potatoes and really good home cooked specials and stews, the Turks Head manages that most rare of eating experiences, a place where a fry up and builder’s tea can sit alongside vegetarian pasta and green tea and both are brilliant value for money.

Tags: Cafe, quick food, breakfast, jacket potatoes, fry-ups, pasta, pasta salad, value for money, wapping