Ceviche

Having recently had amazing Peruvian feasts at both Kingly Court's Señor Ceviche and Andina in Shoreditch, I was more than keen to complete the trio by a visit to the original Ceviche.  

 

Larger than it's sister restaurants, Ceviche seats 130 in the beautiful re-stored Alexandra Trust Dining Rooms. The restaurant features a Ceviche Bar, a Pisco Pub, a charcoal grill and a Peruvian rotisserie. And in true East London spirit, the dining room walls double up as a gallery featuring works from over 50 of Peru’s top contemporary artists.

 

Inspired by the coast, Andes and Amazon of Peru, the weekend brunch (available from 11am-4pm) is bursting with interesting-sounding ingredients. Golazos de Chicharrón -Chia seed steamed buns filled with confit pork belly salsa criolla, watermelon & rocoto jam and pork crackling popcorn - was the perfect mix of textures and looked almost too good to eat. The Sunday roast was cuts of perfectly tender chicken complete with Quinoa Yorkshire pudding, Uchucuta Andean herb gravy, Yucas, Spicy amarillo chilli and coriander corn tamales, and green sprouting broccoli with cheesy amarillo chilli Huancaína sauce. Most of the menu is gluten free and uses many superfood and sustainable ingredients.

 

Drinks wise, we opted for the exotic Chispa Roja (Strawberry-infused pisco and prosecco), which was sharp and fresh. Service was faultless, with our drinks being topped up as soon as they were empty. 

 

Coincidentally (or perhaps it was subconscious), I ended up booking a trip to Peru the week after my visit. I will most likely return two stones heavier, but a whole lot happier.