Farmer J has already got a reputation for their healthy grab and go lunches, but they’ve recently branched out, opening a proper restaurant in London Bridge that will definitely make you want to stay a little longer. The chic space has been decked out with copper-accents, neon lights, hanging plants and velvet seating. When we arrive the lights had already been dimmed and staff were welcoming all those looking for a post-work debrief.
The menu is made up of small plates for sharing (which also happen to be ideal cocktail-accompanying fodder if you’re just sitting at the bar), all with a distinctly Middle Eastern influence. We began our feast with a paper bag of buttery, pillow-soft bread which we dipped into creamy hummus, topped with whole chickpeas and olive oil. Veggies (and the rest of us!) will be delighted by the field section of the menu, with some of our favourite dishes being the smoky roasted beetroot which had a skin like a crispy jacket potato. It’s served with a dollop of cooling yoghurt and crunchy spring onion. Meanwhile the whole roasted cauliflower with spiced black sesame & tahini would make a substantial main if you’re trying to avoid meat. We only ordered half which was still huge and a steal at £5. Cooked rare and pre-sliced for easy sharing, the charred flank steak was so damn tender and came with more of that green tahini we loved.
Everything we tried was genuinely delicious and prices really are excellent for the quality of ingredients you’re getting here. Dishes like the roasted za’atar salmon which came on top of a little freekeh salad & dollop of goats yoghurt felt really healthy, but stopped short of being virtuous. The dinner menu is available from 5pm, which is when the wine and cocktails come out – try a glass of the pecorino and don’t leave without trying the tahini cheesecake.
We’re told they’ll be a fab weekend brunch menu on offer, as well as a Sunday spatchcock and harissa Bloody Mary’s. We can’t wait to to return to check it all out.
Farmer J founder Jonathan Recanati says, “It’s time for Farmer J to plough the next field, so we’re looking forward to opening our first restaurant at King William Street for dinner and cocktails, as well as relaxed weekend brunches. Most importantly, our ethos will remain the same: respecting our fantastic produce, and cooking real food with sustainable, seasonal ingredients.”