The Table
Corn Fritters and Black Pudding
Banoffee Waffle – Banana, Toffee
Valrhona Chocolate Pancake with vanilla yogurt and seasonal berries
As yet unaffected by jetlag having slept well and started the day with a 12-mile run along the Thames it was after a bit of right-sided driving that I found free parking in Saturday downtown London and with a spring in my step given an online menu full of promise I walked into Southwark’s “The Table” only to experience the first of several ‘bait-n-switch’ breakfasts – in this case the aforementioned brunch menu over 6 months old with no figgy pudding or hot chocolate profiteroles currently to be found. Admittedly disheartened but willing to make do given hunger pangs, the trappings of free Wi-Fi, and a staff unabashedly apologetic for mistakes reportedly unbeknownst till that day it was after several questions that an order was crafted and with good coffee, a rarity in England, soon in hand a short wait would see all three plates arrive at once…my fault for not specifying a more leisurely pace, or so it would seem. Obviously a touch more ‘American’ than many breakfasts that would follow it was largely with an eye on diversity that my meal took shape and although I personally found the famous fried corn to be far more filler than ‘fritter’ I’d be hard pressed to find fault in any of the rest – the black pudding toothsome and rich with its signature sapor while a crispy golden waffle shined under the savory sort of toffee not often seen on the other side of the Atlantic Undoubtedly a hearty meal even without other desired delicacies it was only after sampling the more regional fare that I finally delved into the oven finished pancake that came highly praised by my young server and with a toothsome texture rife in buttermilk beneath bursting berries, light yogurt, and molten dark chocolate suffice it to say my sweet tooth was satisfied…though I still hold a grudge considering the online menu continues to taunt with its offer of brunch figgy pudding at the time of this writing.
RECOMMENDED: Banoffee Waffle, Chocolate Pancake.
AVOID: Corn Fritters.
TIP: Early arrival is recommended as the small space fills quickly and parties are likely to linger while the small kitchen does its work. For those chancing a drive, parking can be found for free on several side-streets on Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays as well.
