Jana's reviews
Review of Work Shop
16 Apr 08, 17:17
For the Love of Clay 
You could be forgiven for expecting elves or gnomes to be at the pottery wheel of this adorable little cottage-in-the-wood shop near Victoria Park. But the craftsman potter is Caroline Bousfield, and she's rather tall. And speckled with clay. The place is enchanting; she is very personable; and the pieces of useable art such as mugs and plates and beautiful little pitchers are one-off treasures that make wonderful gifts. I went in for an "I Love Hackney" mug, one of her specialty items. She has a wide selection of museum quality greeting cards, as well, and some fun old-fashioned toys. If you're in the park flying your kite on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, be sure to pop in. You are bound to find a sweet gift and you can see the artist in action. It's a joy to feel as if she's handing you a piece of work right from the kiln.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Broadway Market
08 Mar 08, 14:38
Because I expected pricey but good 
I had heard that the Broadway Markets were pricey but nice, like a little Borough Markets without the long ride on the 48 (if you live in Hackney like me). It lived up to this reputation on both counts. Everything (and everyone) is very pretty; one gets the feeling that one is not in Kansas anymore, if you know what I mean. There is something rarified about the place and I half wondered if I would need to show my bank book as terms of admission. Luckily, the guy doing the hog roast was more than happy to chat about our mutual love of slow-cooked pork - fennel is his not-so-secret herb of choice and the rolls at his stall are well worth the price (4.20), which is enough for two mid-morning eaters. Many of the stalls are branch offices for Borough so it was nice to see familiar brownies and olives, among other things. Why didn't it exceed my expectations? Not quite enough choice and everything feeling just a bit precious. Maybe that was just the dog all dressed for weather and fashion in black leather cape and booties on each paw. Hm. I feel funny about a weekend market that sends the message: you are underdressed. From dogs, no less. NB: ride along the canals to get to the market; it gives the experience a proper earthy, weekend feel.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Neals Yard Dairy
07 Mar 08, 18:35
They may be cheesy, but they're nice 
You may not think it's possible to dream about cheese, unless you are Wallace or Grommit or whichever one of them really likes cheese, but it is. When I was accidentally living away from London in the middle of Australia last year, I dreamed of Neal's Yard Dairy, this little one in Covent Garden. Oh, I like the one in the Borough Market - it's where I was first introduced to people who know cheese and love to tell you about it and even share it with you. It's where I had my first cheese love, a Colston Bassett Stilton (possibly the world's perfect cheese). But there is something lovely about going to this quaint little closet of cheese. Don't go there to stretch out and make a day of it. Go there on a mission. Walk right in, let the smells of sheep, cows and goats, grass and cream and mold (the good, cheese-making kind) hit you fast and full-on, and don't be shy. Ask the friendly, knowledgeable staff to tell you something special about that cheese or this one. Don't worry about asking them to help; that's what they are there for and it means they get to try some cheese, too. My friend asked to have a try of "that stinky one there" and the guy serving us made a show of trying to take a slice out of his colleague right next to the cheese requested. We all had a good laugh. I promise it wasn't as cheesy then as it is telling about it now. It was fun. Fun and cheese. Wow. Heaven?
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Elderfield Pub
07 Mar 08, 12:28
Warm Welcome
What gives you a sense of welcome when you visit a pub, restaurant or even a friend's house? For me, it has something to do with the little things people do to make me feel like I matter. Like sparkling clean windows and pint glasses, a couple of comfortable leather couches, tables with just the right amount of space between them - cozy but not cramped at all. Someone cares about the Elderfield and the people who stop in for a pint on the way home from work, or spend their Friday nights at a long table in the back celebrating a friend's birthday. This is a local that feels better than going home, especially if your place isn't as clean and fresh. I want to go back there; I want to make it my local. That seems like high praise to me.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of L'Epicerie @ 56
27 Feb 08, 16:41
why not start with pain au chocolat
A warming cup of cappuccino and a pain au chocolat was just the ticket this morning after a brisk walk around the neighborhood, and L'Epicerie delivered both beautifully. The coffee was strong and hot; the pain au chocolat could have been a tiny bit warmer since room temperature when the place just opened was rather cool. Still, what better reminder of how decadent my breakfast was than to snap my way through the dark chocolate bar in the midst of the butter pastry. There was a certain bustle to the place while the woman opened up (I got there just around opening time at 8:30) and after exercising it was nice to sit in a cracked little leather chair and watch her work while I rested. The only reason I'm limiting the stars is because I want them to keep adding to the wonderful, eclectic stock of gourmet and organic foods stuffed onto the shelves. It manages to look full and rich without feeling cluttered, which is good because it's a tiny place. Can't wait for summer to use the outside tables they so optimistically put out every day. It's fantastic for the area, and just might be worth the trip from elsewhere for a relaxed, delicious treat.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.