Where
Foxcroft & Ginger, Whitechapel

What
Foxcroft & Ginger is an artisan café-cum-bakery offering brunch dishes, home-made cakes and baked goods, sour dough pizzas with ingredients all freshly made in-house. They pride themselves on their exquisite coffee as well as offering a range of craft beers and cocktails.

Experience
On a hungover Sunday morning, it took me and Sara an inexcusable amount of time to track down our seemingly elusive brunch destination. Sara is new to London, so not only was she no help, but she also had no idea what brunch was. Ideally located right on Mile End Road with, helpfully, ‘Foxcroft & Ginger’ written in big lights on the front, this glass fronted East London version of its Soho sister sits in the iconic old building that once housed the ‘Harrods of the east’. Fancy that! It couldn’t have been easier.

Finally inside and the place was packed! Despite this, the helpful waitress seated us almost instantly in a great little spot by the window where we ordered two large Bloody Mary’s to enjoy whilst we licked our lips at the menu. The owners, husband and wife duo Quintin and Georgina, have continued the industrial feel of its Berwick Street counterpart in their new venture, which works well within the impressive lofty space. I particularly like the satisfyingly chunky Lebanese cedar wood tables which made us feel all cosy.

The drinks came and they were so spicy and delicious. Perfect in fact! For food, Sara opted conservatively for the eggs Benedict and I went for the French toast with mascarpone, poached plum, honey comb and I added extra bacon. This was just as incredible as it sounds. The French toast was about an inch and a half thick and I still can’t stop thinking about it. Sara was also very pleased with her eggs Benedict, from what I observed.

I’d had every intention of going for one of the home-made cakes on display at the in-house bakery but, I’m surprised and ashamed to say, that I’d been absolutely beaten by the French toast. There’s always next time though and I have a feeling that I’ll be back for another go.

I’d definitely recommend Foxcroft & Ginger for their impressive and reasonably priced brunch menu, but the sourdough pizza served from Monday through to Saturday evenings also sounds worth a go. The place looks great inside and everyone seemed to be having a very nice time. But despite its size, I’d certainly suggest phoning ahead for a table at the weekend as it already appears to be extremely popular with all the local happy and attractive people. Go go!

Cost
Sides £2-3.95
Brunch £2.80 – £9.50
Lunch £3.50-£8.95
Pizza £7-£9
Cocktails £6.50