Last Updated on October 24, 2024

Hip Brunching in Granary Square

Caravan Restaurant in Kings Cross is housed in a stunning grade II listed Victorian grain store in Granary Square, which on the Saturday of my visit was absolutely buzzing. It was a beautiful spring day, and the tables were full inside and outside on their expansive terrace. In the square, there was a Classic Car Boot sale in full swing – clothes stalls, some fine examples of classic cars and people dressed up to the nines in marvellous vintage outfits – a slice of London at its best.

Caravan Restaurant Kings Cross - exterior and terrace

We sat inside, which is a treat in itself – a very welcoming space, with a casual, yet vibrant atmosphere. The stripped-back industrial-style dining room boasts high ceilings, exposed pipes, a stone floor, open brickwork, metal pillars, industrial light fixtures, and an open-plan kitchen. At the back of the restaurant is their very own coffee roastery and take-out bar. Caravan was the first restaurant to open at Kings Cross and it’s been a huge success since day one; now they also have branches in Fitzrovia, Bankside and City.

Caravan’s signature breakfast and brunch is a fabulous affair, the menu offers such a great choice of dishes which reflect a well-travelled cuisine, there are lots of brunch classics along with wholesome grains and tempting bowls, a good selection of enticing dishes to choose from which cater for all different dietary requirements. The staff are young, hip, friendly and helpful, we were looked after by Rafael who was absolutely charming.

But, drinks first. There was everything from fresh pressed healthy juices and shots, to beers to fun cocktails and mocktails, but in our case, as it was Saturday it seemed only fitting to kick off with an Aperol Spritz before moving on to champagne, Charles Heidseik Brut Reserve – a golden well-balanced champagne with notes of brioche and green apples.

Plates arrived together; we grazed our way through a number of different dishes at a relaxed Saturday pace. We started with Caravan’s version of mushrooms on toasted sourdough. So much more, the toast was topped with a generous portion of succulent, charred, sweet miso-infused mushrooms. And, they were sitting on a bed of creamy avocado with edamame, tofu puree, wasabi and buckwheat. Next some sensationally good thick chunks of fried jalapeno cornbread served with avocado, cool and creamy curd cheese, a fried egg and delicious herby mojo verde, kicked off with crunchy soy pumpkin seeds and a touch of spice.

Our waiter had recommended the chorizo and potato hash with spinach, poached eggs, tomato fresca, and saffron buttermilk dressing – it was bursting with luscious rich and salty flavours- wonderful hangover food! We chose some funky fried rice from the grain and bowls section, with all the trimmings – greens, fried egg, kimchi mayonnaise, sambal, crispy shallots, peanuts, and coriander – such a nutty well-spiced dish which would be a great stand-alone meal. On the side, just because we were greedy, a plate of perfectly grilled halloumi.

Finally, if you’re seriously greedy like us I can really recommend the brioche soaked in sticky caramelised miso and served with vanilla ice cream – it’s seriously finger-licking good! And some wonderful fluffy American-style pancakes with a fruity strawberry compote with ginger, lime, and a sprinkle of candied hazelnut.