Wednesday 2 April 2014

Simply Groundbreaking!



It's Wednesday - naturally the day to go out for an extravagant, three hour brunch in the sun with my extremely entertaining and well dressed friend David. As Hitchinites (residents of Hitchin) we felt obliged to go and check out the new place on the block - namely artisan coffee shop The Groundworks.

What I wore:
The classic Breton stripe has been reworked this Spring so nautical colours take pride of place in my outfit, as posted on instagram.
Dress - American Apparel
Metallic Sweater - Topshop
Bag - Morocco
Watch - Longines Watches

To be honest, I think the opening of a place such as The Groundworks was well overdue - Hitchin has simply been crying for a Shoreditch style coffee house to be welcomed into the fold of local businesses. The Groundworks more than fills this space.

Featuring a menu in constant evolution alongside daily specials, the homemade and locally sourced food is an innovative blend of cuisines. The menu segues from the hipster streets of East London as exemplified through the ubiquitous avocado smash on sourdough, right through to the Lebanese style dishes- minted yoghurt and harissa finish off many a salad. Anything and everything goes here: french flaky pastries accompany loaf cakes on the counter, whilst pulled pork and salted beef in buns could accompany eggs and blueberry breakfast pancakes (served until an attainable 11.30am). Oh, and not to forget the irresistibly perfect pistachio and rose macaroons that appeared on Mother's Day!


Decked out with reclaimed wooden furnishings, sprigs of flowers and ergonomic chairs, the airy atmosphere oscillates between that of a Manhattan eatery and a cosy wood cabin! A perfect balance is struck through the warm smiles and welcome from the café's two owners: Tom and Ben. Their respective London based backgrounds in Graphic design is evident through the shop's signage and amusing,easy-read blog, - always nice to get to know the faces behind the name. However, one thing strikes David and I as odd; the coffee menu is written on brown paper...a hipster design feature that we are just not quite up to speed with? 'Don't worry,' Tom assures us laughingly, 'the actual sign is getting written up next week, along with the loyalty cards!' Even better - we can justify spending in here if a free coffee is going to get thrown in at some point!

Coffee wise - I'm in my element. 
Serving the Redchurch blend from AllPress Espresso, my flat white is equally strong enough to wipe away the morning's residue and smooth enough to hit that caramel sweetness.
perfect flat white
What David chose:
Chorizo, roasted red pepper and cannellini bean soup served with sourdough
The Famous Pulled Pork Sandwich -chipotle smoked barbecue sauce and maple-slaw in a brioche bun

Man vs Food?


- safe to say he was very happy!
My lunch: roasted chunky beetroot, goat's cheese and rocket salad tossed in minted yoghurt and lemon with griddled halloumi pieces and flaked almonds on top. I was feeling very Euro, eating it in the sun!






A good brunch is never over without something sweet: banana, maple and pecan loaf and a blueberry crumble slice finished off our meal perfectly...an absolute feast which rendered me unable to move for a fair few minutes!

The remnants...
 


Check out The Groundworks on instagram (just a warning - you will be tempted) Or even better, get yourself down there!

Claire x


No comments:

Post a Comment