2nd June 2007
A terrific way to while away a Saturday afternoon
Hidden away behind the intersection of King's Cross/Farringdon Roads and Rosebery Avenue in Clerkenwell, gastronomic enclave Exmouth Market is a well-kept locals' secret, slowly becoming gentrified as small and independent businesses move in to set up shop.
Inevitably a couple of the big commercial chains have discovered Exmouth Market as well, but the Starbucks/generic coffee chains are kept to a minimum, fortunately leaving ample room and clientele for the independent shopkeepers to go about their business, some of whom have been there for 10 years.
Its reputation as a "foodie" hotspot is growing with the success of such restaurants as Moro and Medcalf, purveyor of Spanish charcuterie Brindisa, and the week-end market stalls which feature, among others, Neals Yard Dairy, an organic fruit and vegetable co-operative, and a lovely young man of Gujrati descent who comes down to the market to sell two homemade, authentic family recipes which are beyond delicious and had me wishing for more.
Popular bakers and restauranters St John Bread & Wine has a small presence with a few different varieties of its handmade and slowly-baked bread, Neals Yard Dairy selects a few different cheeses each week to feature, Brindisa has a sandwich stand serving up freshly grilled chorizo on a toasted bun and garnished with rocket and roasted red pepper, and the co-op provides all of its produce from local growers.
There is also a florist, an estheticians/hairdressers named EXM Salon which was apparently voted one of the two best salons in London by womens' fashion monthly Glamour, and a fabulous independent record store named Brill with free wifi, and handpicked records by the incredibly knowledgable and convivial owner. The record shop also serves coffee, a variety of cold drinks, and arguably the best bagels in the city (sourced from Brick Lane Beigel Bakery) with organic smoked salmon and cream cheese.
I spent a lovely sunny day meandering along the length of the market, conversing with the locals and shop owners and I am looking forward to introducing some friends to one of the best clandestine areas of London; do the same and I promise you'll be glad that you did!
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