try something new

Grind into Greenwich

Londoners are extremely lucky when it comes to choice. Even if we ate somewhere different every day, it would take years to get through all of the city’s restaurants.

But everyone has a favourite, and Grind is one of ours. So when we heard a new site was opening in Greenwich, we couldn’t wait to get our brunch on.

Taking over the old Jamie’s Italian on Nelson Road, this is the biggest Grind yet, with two bars, a huge dining area and a separate take away coffee shop next door. The grey booths and white marble tables are true to Grind style, and the light open restaurant is welcoming and airy. It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing places we’ve been in a while, with a huge glass ceiling and more of Grind’s famous neon signs.

Photos: Grind

With many new openings, things can get hectic, but the staff at Grind is hands on and attentive. Everyone has a smile on their face and service is fantastic.

The company started out when owner David Abrahamovitch opened the first site on Old Street roundabout. Shoreditch Grind is now a staple of the area, and the recognisable round building is a hub of activity, day and night. Seven years on and there are now nine sites, with Greenwich the latest of the restaurants, along with London Bridge, Clerkenwell, Covent Garden and Exmouth Market.

Here at Love Hospitality, we have been loyal Grind lovers from the start, and are amazed at how the company has grown and evolved. The coffee roots are still there, as the company now has its own roastery in Shoreditch and sells more coffee than ever, but the cocktails and food are delicious, not to mention the bottomless brunches at the weekend.

The menu is a mix of classic London, comfort food and innovative dishes. The stonebass with wild mushrooms is a must for fish lovers, while the fish fingers with mustard mayo are perfect for a cold winter’s day. And the burnt cauliflower with tofu aioli and turmeric is our favourite vegan choice, paired with a side of padron peppers, which we can’t get enough of.

The weekend brunch is one of the best in London, with bottomless prosecco for 90 minutes and an amazing food menu. Try the mushroom hash for a hearty veggie treat or classic Grind cheeseburger with fries if you’re feeling slightly more peckish. The buttermilk pancakes are the best we’ve had in a long time too. We definitely suggest getting these as a second to share because really, who can say no to pancakes?!

Grind’s baby has always been the espresso martini, but it’s new cocktail menu has reached new heights. We could drink the New York sour all day, and try the No Woman No Chai for a twist on a classic coffee cocktail. The Netflix and Chill shot with popcorn syrup has also changed our minds about shots being only for the young. If you only try one drink, make it this one (but try the others too, you won’t be disappointed).