Plate is an artisan bakery, restaurant and bar from chef Arnaud Stevens that’s just opened up inside the M by Montcalm Hotel in Old Street, taking the spot where Tonic & Remedy used to be. It’s a stylish little restaurant that suits the vibe of the hotel whilst still feeling relaxed. The whole menu is a mixture of snack-size, small and large plates and is designed to be shared, though as it’s not laid out according to size it does have a bit of a random feel about it.
The flavour combos are all familiar rather than wildly inventive but there’s plenty to like, especially the crab buttered new potatoes, smoked salmon scotch egg with Asian mayo and harissa lamb breast with smoked aubergine. The bakery is a big part of the Plate set-up so you’ll defo want to try the bread flight too; it’s something we haven’t seen on a menu before but we like it… embrace those carbs. You get three seasonal breads – the autumn selection includes a sourdough slice, a marmite bread roll and a mushroom bread that has the texture of croissant dough – with flavoured butters, which are whipped so they’re nice and light.
The desserts are also on point so make sure you save some room. The pear tart tatin, which came to the table still in the pan (meaning no caramel is wasted) with two individual scoops of ice cream (so no need to fight for your share) was the star of the show.
[URIS id=97063]Restaurants with a sharing plates concept are nothing new in London but when they’re done to a consistent standard (and with such good bread) like it is at Plate, another one won’t hurt.
Plate at M by Montcalm, 151-157 City Road, London, EC1V 1JH
platecatering.co.uk