Amazing place in London. I love the food. can’t wait to come back here again. Congratulations to the staff.
came from Spain to visit London for few days and my purpose was try every single Mexican restaurant because I LOVE Mexican food, so I went to few of them in central London but nothing like this place, since the moment I went inside the lovely girl with curly hair was super nice to me and she offer me two options...which I choose to have a seat at the bar. Two hours later I was still there because The guys at the bar were talking to me having nice and interesting conversation about tequilas and different types of spirits... basically I spent a whole day drinking different times of tequila and mezcal and having the best chicken fajitas I ever tried, I loved this place so much and I will come back 1 million times more. The service was brilliant and they have the best margarita in London, I really recommend this place.
Great staff, great food but bit expensive as well. If you like drink than this place make hole in your pocket. But on and on this place is good.
Great ambience, great staff, great food but supremely expensive. No doubly we did order for a few drinks but still this place can make quite the hole in your pocket. We ordered the fish of the day, focaccia bread basket, the profiteroles, the opera almond cake and the the chocolate mousse cake. Nothing in this restaurant will disappoint you. Would definitely go back if it weren't that steep.
We were really happy with this place! We were impressed with all the starters we chose, from the crispy pork belly and pickled veg, foi gras with quail roulade and the duck egg served with prosciutto and Parmesan on chunky grilled asparagus. The main special John Dory fish looked average and was described to me like a 'watery fish' from my fiancé, served in a small broth and wilted lettuce- not my cup of tea, however the succulent pork belly served with garlic kale, a whole roasted carrot and apricot was the perfect blend of flavours, rich and well executed. I would recommend this place, got a bit pricey with few drinks, however I didn't hold back with what u wanted to order and the complimentary house-made sourdough to start and fresh, hot buttery friands to finish were welcome touches.
My Mediterranean Martinez would have to be the most 'grown up' cocktail I have ever had and though it was ridiculously bitter is paired smashingly with my roast pork belly!
I was told the Deep Fried Oyster is a must. We ordered one each. I am not a big seafood/oyster fan, but this was delicious. I expected the batter to be oily and thick. However the batter was light, and crispy. They tasted so damn yummy! I might start falling in love with oysters now (I know, i am strange for not being in love with them already)
Had an excellent meal at merchant tavern. The lamb belly was divine as were the appetizers and bar bites. Will def go back and recommend to others. Service was excellent and good ambiance.
This was not my first visit to Merchants Tavern, I had previously tried to have dinner here back in January for the husbands birthday. Unfortunately, a power cable in the street outside the restaurant decided to explode on the night of our visit and scuppered our plans! The electricity had to be cut and so no dinner for us. The staff were wonderful at trying to find us another table at 8pm on a Saturday and it meant we got to eat at the glorious City Social.
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This was not my first visit to Merchants Tavern, I had previously tried to have dinner here back in January for the husbands birthday. Unfortunately, a power cable in the street outside the restaurant decided to explode on the night of our visit and scuppered our plans! The electricity had to be cut and so no dinner for us. The staff were wonderful at trying to find us another table at 8pm on a Saturday and it meant we got to eat at the glorious City Social.
We recently celebrated our first wedding anniversary and so instantly thought to head to Merchants Tavern to celebrate. We arrived and there were no exploding pavements or electricity board vans so we were off to a good start!
Merchants Tavern is a collaboration between Angela Hartnett, her partner Neil Borthwick and the men behind Canteen. Located in a Victorian warehouse and former apothecary in the centre of Shoreditch, Merchants Tavern serves Modern European cuisine with a seasonal focus. You enter through the bar area which is a great spot to enjoy one of their punchy cocktails. You make your way through to a large restaurant with green leather booths and exposed brick walls. There is an open kitchen too which is not a main feature, just part of the furniture.
We began with a glass of prosecco whilst we looked through the menu. The wine list is very interesting and they also have a monthly wine club, where they bring a selection of limited run wines from a range of guest suppliers – April was English wines. We went with a great pinot noir from Kent.
It is a well curated menu which I like – I don’t like extensive menus, makes me question how everything can be fresh. Whilst reading through the dishes we soon realised it was going to be a very hard decision to pick just one from each course. Luckily my husband is a sharer, so we picked two different starters and mains so we could taste all four. Good game plan.
We started with the quail, hazelnut pesto, remoulade & foie gras, one of their signature dishes, and lamb ragu. I can see why the quail has been a constant on the menu. It was a wonderful dish, I loved the crunchy hazelnut with the soft, rich foie gras and quail. We wished we’d order two! But the ragu, well, this was delicious too. Great flavour packed into the meat; salty and rich it reminded me to Rome.
I always like to ask the staff what they’d recommend off the menu, as they know it best – we were told to order the pork belly. It actually wasn’t on our shortlist but we quickly swapped and ordered. I’m so glad we did! It was served on an earthy bed of lentils and green beans and the crackling, oh my. It was perfection. So crispy and naughty.
We also ordered the cod served with octopus, fennel and red pepper. This perfectly balanced the richness of the pork dish. The cod was cooked skilfully and went well with the smoky pepper.
We did not need dessert, definitely not. We were stuffed. But of course that didn’t stop us! I wanted something chocolatey, but there wasn’t an adequate option, the waitress mentioned the Paris-Brest for two which is made of choux pastry and filled with a praline flavoured cream. So we went for that. This was the only chink in Merchants Tavern’s armour. The choux was a little dry and the parline just so rich. It was far too big: half would have been enough for two!
This place has and air of special occasion about it, but it’s not stuffy at all. There is a very cool atmosphere at Merchants Tavern, the staff know their stuff and the food is outstanding. I honestly can’t wait for another reason to make a trip back.
There's something instantly welcoming and cosy as you walk into Merchants Tavern. Housed in a Victorian warehouse in the very heart of Shoreditch, the massive space somehow manages to retain a friendly, comforting vibe. This is no doubt helped by the amiable and attentive staff who look after the bar and restaurant areas. The hardwood floors, stylish leather booths and bare brick walls give the place a relaxed but classy feel.
...extremely tasty food in a nice setting that I wish was closer to my house so we would go back again and again. The service was a little weak and our waiter played hard to get throughout but he certainly knew the menu in detail and could really describe each dish well. We went on a Wednesday night, at the end of August, and the restaurant was not super busy. I imagine the vibe feels a lot more fun when it is buzzier as it is a large-ish space so feels a little sparse when not full.
Food And Drinks Noob
+4.5
overall I really enjoyed my dining experience at Merchants Tavern, some very clever uses of ingredients, well thought out and put together in a very pleasant manner.
Merchants Tavern. The door was opened for me by Thomas Blythe, former general manager of the legendary St John, in Smithfield. A pro. The door is a little heavy, madam, he said, as he opened it.
He had me at that, frankly.
On entering, there’s a bar on the right and a casual seating area, in front of a wood-burner, the smell of which pervades the restaurant. I could spend many a happy hour there. I suspect I will. The décor is that look of the moment, industrial/vintage/upcycled. Very comforting, very relaxed, very tavern-y. An open kitchen at the back lets you check out the cooking action.
Last night, they had the most delicious of potato skins with aioli for £1! £1!! Amazing. I’m still mad at them for getting rid of the Sunday afternoon DJ — the DJ only starts at 4 pm now — but it’s still a fab place to hang.
Haven't been as impressed with a restaurant in a very long time. Food is seasonal, simple and perfectly cooked. The venison, cooked by Ms. Hartnett (major foodcrush), was amongst the nicest things I have ever eaten. Ditto for the puds - oh that treacle sponge! Wine list is well varied and good value. Cocktails are inventive and delicious. Service is friendly and informed. The ambience is comfortable, AND buzzing. Restaurant perfection. Inevitably not cheap but absolutely worth the price paid.
Having recently started working East, I asked my new colleagues for where is good for date night and they recommended Merchants Tavern. Being a fan of Angela Hartnett (despite a recent ropey meal at Murano) that sealed the deal and we booked a table for a Friday night.
First impressions were great - loved the decor and the open bar area and the restaurant was buzzing. We enjoyed a beautiful cocktail whilst our table was prepared and by the time we were led through I was drooling in anticipation having spotted several gorgeous looking dishes being placed on neighbouring tables.
Glad to say the food didn't disappoint. My starter of tuna ceviche with avocado and pickled mouli was melt in the mouth, tangy and beautifully judged. Main of turbot (we splashed out... Not cheap) was light and delicate and the boy's beef delicious. We skipped puds as were full of wine and so happily absconded to enjoy the surrounding nightlife.
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The Vibe
Angela Hartnett is a big deal on the London restaurant scene. A former protégé of old Ramsay, she went on to open Michelin-starred Murano in Mayfair, the Lime Wood restaurant in Hampshire and more recently Shoreditch’s Merchants Tavern. But there’s a back story here. It’s a joint venture coupled with romance, as Hartnett is working alongside talented chef and boyfriend Neil Borthwick – I’d like to believe this is the reason Merchants makes for such fine dating.
Arriving for a meal in the bar early on a Thursday night, the room pleasantly hums. The front area is a perfect mix of post-work couples chowing down on sourdough bruschetta and red wine, and jovial co-workers perching on high stools and staying for perhaps just one more bite. The room feels lofty, with enough space between booths to lean back, slow down and take it all in. Unlike other expansive restaurants with culinary credential, nothing about the room screams LIKE ME. I barely remember the interiors, just a wash of muted greens and reds, some wood, some airiness and a damn good meal.
The Order
Bar food is light and perfect for dates. Take the waiter’s recommendations. The sour dough bread with cherry tomatoes is stupidly good. You’ll be tempted to try and discuss with your date what it is that makes the tomatoes so juicy, so sweet, so squidgy and yet…. But don’t, it’s bad chat. Instead, order wine by the glass, some plump green olives, a side salad (for form’s sake), roasted peppers and mozzarella (make that two orders) and a warming bowl of giant couscous with generously strewn lamb bits. Christ, I want more.
The Game
First dates should be conducted at the bar. I’m inclined to recommend not overdoing the booze as this makes for a relaxed Wednesday/Thursday date. You know, the kind you have with that person you’ve been slow burning with. You’re not sure whether it’s too ballsy to ask them out on a weekend so you go for the safe mid-weeker. It’s ostensibly post work drinks turning ‘organically’ into dinner. With cajoling banter from the waiter, perhaps a helpful ‘come on have a real drink’, you’re ushered into a comfortable rhythm of ordering, chatting, picking at plates and falling for each other just a bit. Staying from 7pm to 9pm would be the ideal timing on this – leave them wanting more. But push it past the first glass of wine and you might as well hang up decency and see how far you can get.
The Faults
I just couldn’t.
Sex Factor
4. If it’s not on the first visit, it’ll be after the next. But this ain’t shagging, it’s the sort of extended love-making session that wouldn’t feel out of place in Vicky Christian Barcelona. In other words, INTENSE.
A bit above our budget for regular visits, but I was delighted by my food. The cooked veg was some of the tastiest I have ever had. I ordered duck with red cabbage, and the red cabbage tasted both distinctly meaty (good stock) and distinctly of caramel. Awesome.
Just popped in for a beer but what a magnificent place! Great staff and good beer. Restaurant part of the premises looks fine and some great aromas eminating from the kitchen. This place (Merchants Tavern) must have a history, I'll find out and post. Well worth a visit if you are either hungry or thirsty! Frames of butterflies on the walls, not now politically correct but a wonderful document from a bygone era. Ask yourself; How many of these can I identify? If you struggle, have a walk and see the beauty around you. Have fun!
Lovely food, great service, very nice space. We during the Sunday Roast and they have a great deal, 3 courses for 30 pounds. The wine selection was also quite impressive
Better a couple of years ago. Still interesting but the quality of the food needs revamping. Good service, but we had to wait a while for the table even with a reservation
Great food and drinks! Had the roast beef then limoncello tart and chocolate mousse to finish - delicious! Cocktails were good, not much choice for softs. Not the cheapest but worth it.
Restaurant hidden away at the back was such a surprise after walking into a very loud bar. Suggestion: request a booth / corner table. The menu was incredible. Really difficult to choose,
fish dishes were excellent. Cocktails also delicious. Definitely going back!
Very friendly and helpful staff. Stylish interior with good space between the tables and not too noisy (so you can have a proper conversation without needing to shout). Interesting menu too (the Polpette al sugo was amazing). Good choice of wine too. Not a cheap place, but good for a special occasion. Would certainly recommend.
Great place! Must try their croquettas. And dont be shy to venture further indoors as its a ginormous place. Good ambience and decor as well.
Great brunch , not noisy on a Saturday afternoon - will go again
Came here for brunch. Two of us ordered from the brunch menu and two of us ordered from the Sunday Roast menu. The brunch choices were really tasty, particularly the spinach, mushroom and artichoke and the chicken and waffles. Portions were generous and we were full with a couple of dishes each. The soup on the roast menu was also generous and delicious. Great roast and although it looked a bit small it had a decent serving of meat and ended up being really filling. We didn't have dessert but the crumble looked good and big enough to share. They brought us out complimentary madeleines which were hot and lovely and was a really nice touch. Decent cocktails. Amazing fresh teas. Friendly, relaxed staff. They let us sit there for hours and just talk with no pressure, perfect for a brunch catch up.
I had my 30th birthday lunch here in their private dining room and everything was excellent! As it was my birthday I wanted everything to be perfect and they were very accommodating to my requests and last minute changes. The food and wine was great and the staff were very hospitable. The private dining room is a great space with exposed brick and sound system. Would definitely recommend!
We held an engagement party there. I love the atmosphere, vintage style pub/ bar. Just one thing I didn’t like was the volume of the music. Perhaps we sat right next to the DJ music box it made my voice gone so quickly... other than that the food was also great!
Great bar and restaurant with an amazing atmosphere. The interior is beautiful, has plenty of seating opportunities and has a great feel to it. The service was friendly and helpful, although the wait at the bar was a bit long. Live music is played to add to the atmosphere. Prices are typical for the area and good for the venue.
Nice atmosphere and good menu. Portion sizes were generous for lunch - the cod is recommended, with a side of cauliflower cheese please. Service excellent, waiting knew all the wine pairings and was attentive and helpful without being overbearing. Dessert was fabulous - ginger cake, not something I'd usually have but will lie awake thinking about for many a night.
Exemplary service from all staff who are genuinely engaged in ensuring guests enjoy their evening. Our waiter delivered fast and attentive service, the food was incredible and our glasses were topped up regularly. We never had to ask for anything. Beautiful setting and atmosphere. Highly recommend.
Lovely setting and atmosphere - we sat in corner which was great but one draw back was the curtain do not extend round so there were comings and going to toilet area and kitchen passageway. Cocktails were interesting but a bit small. The bread was delicious (we ended up ordering 2 boards between 2). Pork belly was good though a little too much fat for my taste. Fries were standard, could have been a bit more special. The venison steak was lovely, but quite rare. Desserts were disappointing. I went for the rhubarb cranachan which had 3 bits of rhubarb a bit of whisky and a lot of cream - disappointing. The profiteroles were better, but not exceptional especially given price of the desserts. Overall it was still a nice well-cooked meal, but would go back only when they update the menu.
Love the food and atmosphere. The resident dj is a nice touch. Highly recommend the Lil Suze cocktail!
Just the best dining and drinking experience in East London I can't explain how much I love this place. From the kitchen to the bar the decor is on point slick vibes chilled music (sometimes a lil loud) awesome cocktails and some the best food I have ever had. It can be a bit pricy but it's worth every penny. Exceptional never had such a great home.
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