#KITRIlocal
We’re lucky enough to have the lively neighbourhood of Angel right here on our doorstep. With a plethora of places to choose from, here are our favourite spots for a pre-work breakfast and a post-work culture stop.
Almeida Theatre
A hidden cultural mainstay, this listed theatre seats a private audience of 300. Split over two levels, the building has a rare curved brick back wall, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere between the actors and the audience. Offering the best in contemporary drama from reworkings of Shakespeare to live Q&A panels, the Almeida is highly regarded as it reacts to the current climate and propels unique talent into the theatre world. With event listings that will not disappoint, finish your evening with drinks at the bar, an added Almeida bonus.
Ottolenghi
Situated directly opposite the Almeida, ideal for pre-theatre dining, is the Islington branch of Ottolenghi. Yotam, a British-Israeli chef and founder is constantly experimenting with his aromatic and joyful recipes, be it for his ever-changing menu or his revered Guardian column. It’s difficult to choose between the shakshuka, scrambled tofu and rose harissa or the delectable Dutch Baby pancake, and that’s just the breakfast menu. Ottolenghi, dangerously for us, also serves as a take out deli (best salads and breads in Angel) and a small sit in restaurant, centred around a large, communal sharing table.
Sardine
Bringing the best of Southern European cuisine to London, Alex Jackson and Steve Parle offer a small, curated menu all created in the open kitchen of Sardine. Tucked away inside the Parasol Unit for Contemporary Art, a discreet and non-profit organisation and our office neighbour, the restaurant has been described by Grace Dent as ‘A place to break diets.’ and the chocolate and brandy prune dessert is hard to turn down . We recommend visiting on the first Monday of every month for a special ‘off-menu’ dinner, this month it’s Duck Roasted à la Ficelle Over Charcoal and obviously we will be front of the queue.
Bringing the best of Southern European cuisine to London, Alex Jackson and Steve Parle offer a small, curated menu all created in the open kitchen of Sardine. Tucked away inside the Parasol Unit for Contemporary Art, a discreet and non-profit organisation and our office neighbour, the restaurant has been described by Grace Dent as ‘A place to break diets.’ and the chocolate and brandy prune dessert is hard to turn down . We recommend visiting on the first Monday of every month for a special ‘off-menu’ dinner, this month it’s Duck Roasted à la Ficelle Over Charcoal and obviously we will be front of the queue.
Chinese Laundry
Owners Tongtong and Peiran set out to replicate the traditional cooking they grew up with in China, and lucky for us they succeeded. The homely food is complemented with a decor of 80’s true Chinese interiors with an added whimsical appeal - think the Wes Anderson treatment. With a menu designed to share, we particularly love the sweet basil chicken popcorn, delicious mantou buns and their speciality mei cau kou rou (thrice cooked pork belly). Reopening in May after a brief closure, we can’t wait to see what the duo have added to this wonderful spot.
Owners Tongtong and Peiran set out to replicate the traditional cooking they grew up with in China, and lucky for us they succeeded. The homely food is complemented with a decor of 80’s true Chinese interiors with an added whimsical appeal - think the Wes Anderson treatment. With a menu designed to share, we particularly love the sweet basil chicken popcorn, delicious mantou buns and their speciality mei cau kou rou (thrice cooked pork belly). Reopening in May after a brief closure, we can’t wait to see what the duo have added to this wonderful spot.
Victoria Miro Gallery
Serving as a constant source of inspiration, it’s not only the converted furniture factory space and groundbreaking exhibitions we admire, but the woman herself. As an alumni of the Slade School of Art, Miro began teaching before turning her intuitive skills towards the business of art. An influential UK art powerhouse, she currently represents Chris Ofili, Grayson Perry and Alice Neel’s estate, to name just a few. Her spacious gallery is located alongside Wenlock Basin, a place the whole KITRI team regularly visit, not only for design inspiration but to see Miro’s latest protégé.
Serving as a constant source of inspiration, it’s not only the converted furniture factory space and groundbreaking exhibitions we admire, but the woman herself. As an alumni of the Slade School of Art, Miro began teaching before turning her intuitive skills towards the business of art. An influential UK art powerhouse, she currently represents Chris Ofili, Grayson Perry and Alice Neel’s estate, to name just a few. Her spacious gallery is located alongside Wenlock Basin, a place the whole KITRI team regularly visit, not only for design inspiration but to see Miro’s latest protégé.
Words by Abi Corbet
Image credits: Philip Vile, Ottolenghi, Sardine, Chinese Laundry, Victoria Miro