Medcalf

Restaurants

Bars

38-40 Exmouth Market

Mid-range

Medcalf Hayley Harrison

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Time Out says

Tue Oct 16 2012

Now a firm fixture on Exmouth Market’s vibrant dining scene, Medcalf has character aplenty. It occupies an Edwardian butcher’s shop (hence the name – the beautiful lettering on the front is original), with a wood-lined interior that seems to have got slightly smarter while retaining a charming boho vibe, thanks to dangling light bulbs and pre-loved furniture. Some battered metal tables perch on the pavement; there’s also a cute back garden, and the adjacent premises are used as bar overspill and for private events. It’s as much bar as restaurant, with an appealing wine list and a stellar array of beers that includes Brooklyn Beer on draught and bottled beers from nearby breweries Redchurch and London Fields. The menu is short (possibly too short) and seasonal, with an emphasis on local, sometimes foraged ingredients – witness ‘Hackney leaves’ and wild garlic and nettle soup: the latter pleasant, but lacking garlic flavour and with a rather gloopy consistency. Too many dishes rely on assembling rather than cooking. Smoked mackerel, radish and rocket, and butternut squash, goat’s cheese and watercress, were ingredients that shared the same plate but didn’t combine into anything more meaningful. Service was also slightly distracted, with one forgetful waitress trying to cope with too many tables.

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Address:
Medcalf 38-40 Exmouth Market
London
EC1R 4QE

Phone:
020 7833 3533
Website:
www.medcalfbar.co.uk
Opening hours:
Lunch served noon-3pm Mon-Sat; noon-3.30pm Sun. Dinner served 6-10pm Mon-Thur, Sat; 6-10.30pm Fri
Transport:
Tube: Farringdon tube/rail or 19, 38, 341 bus
Price:
Main courses £12.50-£22
Map
1. Medcalf
  - 38-40 Exmouth Market
    London
    EC1R 4QE
  - 020 7833 3533
  - www.medcalfbar.co.uk
  - 51.525843,-0.108770

Facilities:
Internet access. Wireless (free). Eating and drinking facilities. Bar. Licensed. Restaurant and bar facilities. Reservations required. Function rooms. Accessible facilities. General facilities. Private rooms. Outdoor facilities. Tables outdoors
Occasions:
Drinks. Speciality beers. Hip factor. Mood
Type of event:
Parties