By Tiziana Murgo
Forest Bar + Kitchen is a wine bar which specializes in natural wines and seasonal food. On the shelves you will find a selection of wines from all over the world, hand-picked from small producers.
When I took my kids to the Forest Bar + Kitchen last weekend to see a friend for brunch they didn’t jump for joy, thinking it was of those conventional restaurants where kids are expected to sit at the table the whole time watching grown-ups talking forever.
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As we walked in though the place spoke for itself: a quite cosy open space bright and full of natural light. Although this is not normally a place for kids to hang around, they are very welcome for brunch, the host and the waitress were fantastic at keeping them cheerful with their requests.
In the middle of the room there is a large communal wooden table which reflects the style of the sharing-plate eateries that you would find in France or Spain and overall the general mood of the vibrant Walthamstow community nowadays.
There you can share some seasonal dishes – the menu changes every week – and enjoy the company of fellow diners or cheer over an organic Pet Nat sparking rosé with your date.
At weekends during brunch service, the vibe is more family oriented, kids are free to walk around, and we were told that an iPad playing an episode of Peppa Pig surrounded by a very focused group of toddlers isn’t an unfamiliar sight.
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They don’t have kids’ menus, but the food is so good they will be sure to find something they like on the main menu, and you can always ask for smaller portions or plates to share. Current brunch menu items include a kimchi and cheddar croque madame, smoked eel kedgeree with soft egg and pea shoots, and buttermilk pancakes with bacon.
My friend and I savoured incredible tasting freshly baked brioche buns stuffed with bacon and scallop, while the kids enjoyed French sausages and beans.
They are open in the evening only during the week, lunch and dinner on Saturday, brunch only on Sunday. No bookings. For more information check out their website.
