Stratford E20 is on the up. Since the Olympics in 2012 the whole area has been regenerated, from the modern apartments of the East Village to all sorts of brands and businesses setting up in the area, and not to mention Stratford’s epicentre, Westfield. Darkhorse is just that, Stratford’s dark horse…housing a European restaurant with Spanish and Italian influences.
Founded by Lee Glen and Ian Goodman, who were part of Soho House and OXO Tower respectively, Darkhorse offers small plates, larger main dishes and a decent cocktail menu. Starters came in the form of fried Friggitelli peppers, which were huge and seasoned with sea salt; and the charcoal lamb and merguez with hummus, a tender meaty skewer with added dip.
For mains the crispy skinned confit leg of duck served with Cornish potatoes was super tender. Whilst roast fillet of hake with charred Italian courgettes and tapenade not only looked the part but tasted it too, the tapenade hiding slices of chorizo which was a great little touch.
Desserts are where Darkhorse dare you to go little different, with an accompanying matched cocktail for each one. The chocolate and orange tart was rich, tangy and full of flavour, and along with the Santiago tart, it’s impossible to call a winner, just a hell of a match.
In Stratford? Then take this horse for a ride.
16, 19 Victory Parade, London E20 1FS
www.dhe20.com