Food was outstanding. Small menu but what they do they do well. Staff was very helpful if you are indecisive. Can be light or filling but everything is fresh. Unique dining experience as well. read more

Rochelle Canteen - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

absolutely stunning environment-- worth it to go just for that. but the food is... very hit and miss. i've only been twice but have been disappointed both times, having to leave a lot of food on the plate. excellent bread. some good vegetables. maybe it's a british thing, serving cabbage drowned in butter and WATER... read more

We ate a lovely lunch here yesterday. We were one of the first parties to arrive on a beautiful and sunny London afternoon. Our table was "inside" but because everything is open, we had the best of both worlds. It's a walled compound with a garden in the middle of London, so you're eating in a pretty special plein airy setting. The menu changes daily and was still being finalized when we sat down. We started with the hummus, bread, green leaf salad, and asparagus. The sourdough here is extraordinary and we liberally scooped up everything with it. The hummus was nothing special, but we enjoyed the accompanying toast and pickled eggplant (very unique but have an open mind about texture). The salad was simple: just a variety of crisp greens with a zingy mustard dressing that was just right on a warm afternoon. The asparagus dish was average since there was nothing special about some simple roasted veg with the British version of parmesan and a soft boiled egg. But no complaints. Our main dish was the braised lamb, and...Cheerio! The whole freakin' shank came out, which we were not expecting and it was beyond tender. The meat was falling off the bone...so juicy and divine with the accompanying pea situations. There was a ton of braising liquid that we wish we had something to enjoy with, but so be it. Dessert was fig leaf ice cream (v. interesting, and thank you, but no thank you) and the vanilla panna cotta with rhubarb. The custard was wonderful, but the rhubarb was in large strips and impossible to "cut" with only a spoon (the sole utensil provided). We loved the flavor combo, but not the execution. The shortbreads that came out with both dishes were lovely. Really, the only thing that slightly soured our experience was service. While the hostess was beyond sweet, our server was almost passive aggressive, forgetting an initial glass of rose for over 10 minutes and barely checking in. Even still, we had a nice time and would recommend this place for a bougie meal in London if you like to linger and dine. Think Chez Panisse but British. Four stars. read more

So, London weather in April in the mid 70s and beautiful sunny is crazy, right? When that happens you know you are in for a special day and tonight was no exception- the wife and I had a fine meal at Rochelle Canteen that was as great as the weather! The restaurant is in a usual setting where they share some common space (apparently) with a school. As a result they are kind of hidden behind a high brick wall and door. Only a sign on the walk path actually let us know the restaurant was there. The restaurant has dining inside and out and it was all being used that night. To start, the wait staff was great, helpful and on top of things. Our meal started with the Fennel celery Berkswell (cheese) and caper salad. Totally recommend this dish! Also had fresh fill and fruity olive oil. At the end of eating that we swore we would try to figure out how to make this at home. My main was the Braised lamb lentils and green sauce along with cooked greens. Lamb cooked to perfection and the lentils so complimented the meat. The greens were delicious (I think they were Tuscan kale leaves) as a side. The wife had Courgettes chickpeas and goat curd (all vegetarian) and she loved it. We finished by sharing a slice of Lemon meringue pie which was the best our slice I've had in years. Why isn't this restaurant in my home town?? I'd be there every night! read more

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Disappointed. Simple good ingredients but not elevated. Overpriced and in a tent. The experience did not live up to the hype for me and my 3 companions. Maybe an off night but won't be trying again too soon. read more

Great lunch spot, especially if it's a nice day and you can sit outside. Be aware of where you're going, you'll need to find the door on the southeast side of Arnold Circus (which goes around the beautiful Boundary Gardens park) and then ring the buzzer to be let in but once inside it's a bit of an oasis from the city. Service was very friendly from the beginning and it's clearly a professional staff. The menu is small with about 6 starters and 6 main courses of which a number are vegetarian. The prices may be a bit high for lunch, and the food may seem a bit "simple" in some respects but it takes a lot of work to make things this good. Even the little things like bread & butter (which you pay for but it's worth it) are great with amazing rich salted butter served at the perfect temperature along with hearty bread slices. It's astounding how few places get bread & butter right but they've got it here. As for the menu, it will change daily so don't necessarily go looking for something in particular - whatever you get will likely be great. My wife raved about the Tomato & Chickpea Soup which was almost more of a stew consistency and she said it was the best tomato soup she's ever eaten. She also loved her main course of Courgettes, Borlotti Beans, & Feta which had a simple rich sauce which brought everything together. We had a late breakfast so I I went basic with Parma ham and perfectly ripe melon and then a salad that was a bit misleading on the description (at least to me) as Brown Shrimp, White Cabbage, Capers & Dill. Turns out the shrimp were dozens of exceedingly tiny shrimp that you really couldn't taste dispersed throughout an acidic cabbage salad trending toward a coleslaw. Still fine for what it was, but definitely not what I was expecting. Overall, it was a great day and there's no question that Rochelle Canteen is a unique place for a unique experience. Some will appreciate it, some not, but I'm very glad it exists and it will always be one of my wife's favorite places in London. read more

I'm in love with this place and want to have a month of sick days so that I can go every day. Open only midweek, until 4:30, all BYO. It's certainly not vego but the food has so much lovely vegetable influences. Everything was so fresh and so much of it was freshly picked from the garden. On the garden... This is the ultimate spot for a sunny day as most of the tables are outside in this beautiful outdoor setting. There are options inside but bookings are highly recommended (for all of it actually). The food is things like cured trout salad with garden picked cress or smashed broad beans with feta on sour dough or terrine. So kind of country side fresh British would be my classification. Like home cooked by thousand times better, no need for extra seasoning. Staff are excellent and the chefs and genius. If you finish your meal quickly, grab a deck chair on the lawn and soak up some uk rays. read more

Rochelle Canteen - An amazing smoked goats curd, roast tomato, courgette combination - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

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The Rochelle Canteen is tucked away in the courtyard of a very unlikely place: an old Victorian School. From the outside there is no sign this restaurant even exists apart from the little 'CANTEEN' buzzer which you have to ring to get in. This old disused Victorian school has now become the Rochelle School, home to a series of artist studios and the Arnold & Henderson caterers. The canteen was opened by the Arnold & Henderson caterers to feed the artists and visitors alike. After a buzz at the door and entering through the old 'Boys' school entrance you find yourself in an old school courtyard with flowerbeds and groomed grass. Located in an old bike shed, the Canteen is now a functional restaurant with a big white room, open kitchen and outdoor seating. The service and the food is faultless. The menu changes all the time so it is difficult to tell what will be available, but it is generally gourmet British food. The food is hearty and rich, but I recommend braving a desert, as I had a lemon posset there and it was one of the best deserts I have ever had. The Canteen is only open for lunch on weekdays and due to its hidden location it is a special gem which should be spread only between the most deserving. This is the secret garden of Shoreditch. read more

Rochelle Canteen - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

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I am horrified I have never been here before. Downright disgusted at myself. A revamped school canteen serving 'new' British food from the St John school of thought (but with far better results)... Why oh why haven't I partaken before. Coupled with a beautiful location, especially when it is sunny and you can bake outside, and charming service I will be taking more long lunches. PS the food is simple combinations of three to four ingredients cooked well. My ox liver and bacon main was exception, a pea/ broadbean and rocket starter was sensitively and finely put together and a pecan caramel icecream was outrageously good read more

Rochelle Canteen - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

What a disappointment! Rochelle Canteen was one of the 50 best London restaurants and either I chose the wrong dishes, either it doesn't live to its expectations. The place itself is hard to find (thanks to other helpers, or I would never have find it): it's hidden behind the walls of a school. When you find the green door, buzz the restaurant and they'll let you in. Menu changes everyday but I must have picked a bad day. For starter I had a crab soup with croutons and rouille which was ok (not mind blowing, but still ok) and then what I think would be an exciting dish to try: lentils, onions & goat curd. Don't get excited, that exactly what I got: a plate of lentils, with an onion and some goat curd. All that for £22. Service was really slow (even when I told them I only had 1hour to lunch and they said it'll be ok) A big big disappointment for me. read more

Rochelle Canteen - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

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Original menu. Outstanding food. Helpful, accommodating service. Went on a summer evening and sitting in the walled garden in the heart of Shoreditch was just ideal - a rare option in London. We also took advantage of the corkage to bring our own bottles, which we also appreciated. We then also drank from the wine-list and selection was great. Overall, a great experience. read more

Lovely outdoor oasis for lunch. We managed to find this place and snag a table on a Sunday afternoon. The wait for food was a bit long, but maybe because I ordered the chicken and leek pie, which was amazing. The crust was incredibly flakey and the chicken tender and leeks juicy. A very light broth awaited under the pie crust. Husband got the lamb, which was also excellent, some of the best he's ever had. Topped off with some fresh spring greens. Would definitely come back. Bathrooms are surprisingly modern and clean for a mostly outdoor restaurant. read more

Had an exceptional lunch at Rochelle today. Dishes were perfectly executed. Exceptional Bbq mackerel, rolled rabbit loin finished with a sublime apricot pavlova for two. Best restaurant in London. Will be back! read more

On a recent excursion across Europe, our lunch at Rochelle Canteen was one of the funnest - and funniest - experiences. Ever. As an American, this place is bat-shit crazy. And I mean that with all the love in my heart. After wandering up Brick Lane and not wanting Indian food, we turned to trusty Yelp to find some deliciousness for lunch. We found a place that sounded right up my alley: off the beaten path, locals only, delicious food. We found Rochelle Canteen. But then we couldn't find it. We literally walked around in circles in confusion and almost gave up. But I found a random door that was marked "Boys," and there was a call box beside it. One of the names on the call box was - you guessed it - Rochelle Canteen. I pressed the button, and the door was open! When we opened the door, it was like a secret garden! It was a quaint little restaurant and patio that was secluded from the rest of the city. The servers were helpful and friendly - especially when I admitted that I was a stupid American who didn't understand the menu at all. They guided me through all the quail, pheasant, and hoards of words I didn't understand. In the end, we got fried chicken wings, coleslaw, and amazing soup with fresh vegetables. Everything was delicious! While the service was good, it was very casual - and a tad forgetful. I didn't need that flat white anyway. And if you're in a rush, this is not the place for you. This place feels like the neighbors have all congregated at a friend's house for dinner, and nobody is in a hurry whatsoever. Since we were on vacation, this pace was a-okay with me. If you're looking for an experience unlike any other in London, put on your brave face and head to Rochelle Canteen. We loved it! read more

First of all, you can't find this place. And that's why I love this place so much! Hidden, aside from traffic and usual "shoreditchy" things, this is a real gem requiring you to put some effort in catching it. Once you arrive in this lovely square (damn, I love the gazebo in the middle!), look for the anonymous door with boys sign. It's closed. All the time. And that's wonderful. Go away you fool, if you wanna eat here you must have some interactions with the world, damn it!! just ring at the door bell, and the world will open to you!! Once you get in the "restaurant", you'll find the less posh, less decorated and essential place where to eat in the whole east London. The menu is printed on an A4 paper, like a wedding catering, no table-clothes, just raw food. I'm wondering how does it look during summer, as they have some space to put some tables outside, eating outdoor will be terrific! Ah BTW, they have no more than 10 tables, and if you are alone you'll probably end up having lunch with some completely strangers: try to have a damn conversation, it won't kill you, believe me! just chat! The food: if this is what real british cuisine looks like, then I love it! we are not speaking about light, hypocaloric meals; this is the place where you want to go during winter (I had pork belly with lentils, just to give you an idea about the dishes!), get a lot of calories and then go back on the cold, wet london's roads! The service follow the food too, very nice and warm, I think the waiter could be my brother who just cooked too much and offered me part of his dish! In the end, awesome hidden gem in the heart of shoreditch, give it a try! read more

Five outta five! The beautiful weather didn't hurt as we strolled up into Arnold Circus. As mentioned in other reviews, Rochelle Canteen is not the *most* obvious spot: which makes finding it all the more exciting. The Canteen is tucked away behind a green door; access is through a buzzer and the best way to find it is, well...to identify a small troupe of other similar people standing in front of a green door. They are probably hoping to eat all the things at Rochelle Canteen too. Walk through the green door and you're into a former school yard: red brick walls, and green grass and - given that it was a beautiful sunny day - tables set up outside (the inside area is quite small and limited). The menu for Rochelle Canteen changes daily; it is simple (in some ways) but complex (in others). Ha. Re-reading that I sound like a bit of a twat. But I mean it! Dishes that don't have dozens of ingredients and yet that are so on-point and more sophisticated than anything I could have mastered with those same flavours at home. There is a printed out menu, and then several chalkboard last-minute specials. We *just* missed out on the spring morels with baked eggs but - silver lining - that helped me to make my choice more easily: Grilled squid with chick peas and romesco, please. Even though what sold me was the squid, what really made the dish were the plump and perfectly textured chick peas tossed in the sweet but sharp romesco. Oh, but let's not forget this recommendation: have some perfectly seasoned rabbit rillettes with cornichon and bread to start. Do it. Listen to me. Green salad: GET IT. It's a massive mess of greens on a plate, tossed with a tangy vinegar and perfect to cut out any of the fattier dishes. For 4GBP it's a steal and totally enough to happily feed 2. Really simple affogado is a nice way to finish off, even though it was tough to turn down the buttermilk pudding with rhubarb. Regrets are ok, though; it just means that I have to return immediately. BYOB. No, truly: bring it! Yelp note: I recommend calling in advance for a reservation, in part because it has been known to host private lunches, etc., and is a small space. Service isn't particularly swift here, which is not really a criticism - it leaves more time to enjoy the feeling of "I'm on vacation!" which time in the Rochelle Canteen garden provides - but more just a note in case you, say, have to get back to the office after visiting this lil' oasis. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in London. Firstly, the environment is great. The restaurant is tucked into an old school house. The seating is spare and quiet, a great setting for a special dinner with friends. The food is great. Very fresh ingredients, and most all the dishes emphasize the sort of cooking that let the natural flavor of the high quality ingredients take center stage. Great wine selection too. read more

The last time I was in the Rochelle School building was a few years ago, at 5am on a shoot, and it was certainly rather different to how it is now. On both occasions I had a cheese sandwich and a cup of coffee, but, well, the two don't really compare. Nowadays, in the old bikeshed, the school canteen evokes a pared-down '50s pantry look, and looks out onto the old playground. Whether it's a sandwich on hearty bread, a perfect steak pie or crispy pig's tails, the food is always freshly prepared and it certainly staves off the hunger shakes. Essentially an eatery for the creative hub that shares the premises, British gourmet creators Arnold & Henderson bring their 'nose to tail' eating' style to a humble office canteen. A step away from the dross of Brick Lane, this is a small sanctuary for a simple, yet delicious lunch, but much as Catherine H. says, this is the secret garden of Shoreditch, so save it for a well-earned weekday treat. read more

This was a nice little find in East London. When I trek all the way to the other side, I like to find little "hideouts", to which this really fit the description. I had a nice beetroot, apple and ginger juice with a fried Jerusalem artichoke. I never knew you could eat the whole artichoke once it's fried nice and crispy. Some of the other dishes were very inventive, but didn't blow my mind. However, I heard the menu changes all the time so I will be back to give it another chance! It's such a cute lunch spot, after all. read more

Rochelle Canteen - Jerusalem artichoke! Yummmm~ - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

As an American, I found my experience here exciting and TERRIFYING and delicious. First, I didn't know what most of the items on the menu were. But, that's my fault and not the restaurant's. I quickly apologized for being the ignorant American and asked questions about everything. Second, we couldn't find the restaurant. It's really just a random door. That also makes it totally cool that we ate here. I wasn't feeling well, so we settled on the Spring Vegetable Broth (fellow Americans - think vegetable stew) and fried chicken wings (yes, chicken. just like I was for ordering the one thing on the menu I understood). The broth was delicious and the wings were too! The staff was very friendly and accomidating with the Americans in their midst. If you are ever in the neighborhood... do yourself a favor... wander through the random door and enjoy! read more

Delicious food. Friendly service. Comfortably hip courtyard atmosphere. All food top notch: Beetroot, watercress, and goat cheese salad. (After eating this salad, I now like beets.) Fried sprats and tartar sauce. (I now know what a sprat is, and at this place, it's darn tasty. SUMMER PUDDING! There's a doorbell situation. read more

Run as an offshoot to St John's Bread and Wine this place is great, great, great. Designed as a canteen serving the artist studios, but also taking reservations from the public this little converted bike shed is the perfect spot for a reasonably priced and top notch meal. They don't do alcohol, but will happily oblige to uncork and even provide a jug if you care to mix up your own Bloody Mary. The best hidden gem in Shoreditch. read more

Well worth the out-of-the-way excursion, especially on a sunny day when we could enjoy the outdoor seating while we devoured some of the best scrambled eggs ever. The collection of straw hats available to borrow meant we didn't have to get sun in our eyes. Nice touch! read more

Rochelle Canteen - Breakfast delights. - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

My sister and I and a new friend had a marvellous lunch here in fall of 2013... we will be in London for two weeks late March- I think the best we can say about Rochelle Canteen is we have book twice for lunch in this short trip... small but inventive and very tasty menu and affordable. The fact that it is a little hidden makes it extra special- you feel like you are part of something secret and nice! read more

Waitress looked at me and my Asian friend, and promptly turned us away. She claimed that they were "booked for breakfast" despite the restaurant being completely empty, save for a smattering of (all-white) customers. A thin excuse, especially given the lack of any notice online or outside that the restaurant had been reserved in advance. At best, this is evidence of extremely poor service. At worst, this reeks of racism. read more

i first heard about Rochelle Canteen through a food blog friend of mine and thought it sounded charming. then i heard about some pop-up hidden spot that was run by the wife of the chef of St John. and then by (now-ex)boyfriend randomly took me there. you need to be available at odd hours (ie lunch only on weekdays), and not too fussy an eater. in a predominantly residential neighborhood, just on st arnold circus there is a school, and in the massive brick wall around it there is a big blue door with a panel of buzzers next to it. almost unreadable one says "canteen," but you would never think to buzz it on your own. in you go, across the once-playground into a redone shed with huge glass doors. inside is essentially an open kitchen and several long bare tables. the walls, white, stand bare except a row of hooks along on side (anyone been to St John Bread&Wine? you'll find these familiar). a shy waitress will guide you to a seat and take your order. the menu changes almost daily, and is always only a few options deep. but the food. it tastes like home - not in the like mom used to make, but in that it makes you warm and comfortable and happy. ditto on the puddings. clean and delish. ive never been in proper summer, but im sure with the sunlight streaming through the windows this place is a haven. its BYOB, btw, so bring what you feel like... and i believe they dont charge corkage... its the type of place you rave to your friends about, take the select few that you know would appreciate it, and pray not too many people find out about. read more

We were lucky to get a weekend booking when they opened up on a weekend as a one off. Service was extremely slow throughout our visit. No one answering the buzzer for 5 minutes, no one seating us, eventually taking us to a table which was dirty and again left for another 15 minutes before even cleaning it up. Finally taking our food order after being prompted a few times. After getting very frustrated the food finally arrived and is the only reason why the Stars have stayed at 2. It was great, flavoursome, fresh, seasonal, everything you could hope for alfresco dinning. However, after we had finished it was back to the terrible service. Sitting there again waiting for the table to be cleared. We ordered desserts that never arrived and with many more prompts finally received the bill, which was wrong as they even forgot to take off the desserts even though we said we never received them. No apologises throughout and probably the only reason I won't be going back. Shame as it has so much potential and food is great. (Visit - 05/07/2015 Lunch) read more

Now that I've been here a second time and had their lancashire hotpot, I can confidently give it a 5 stars. I had a similar dish at Hix and at Albion, but the others just didn't compare. The meat was cooked perfectly, not too soft, not too hard, and juicy at the same time. Little bits of fat provided bursts of flavour. The onions and potatoes also kept their flavour somehow, despite being in a rich and juicy broth. The chefs here put the other restaurants to shame. read more

We went here a couple of weeks ago for lunch with a friend visiting I had never heard of it. Very pleasantly surpirsed. Had the fresly prepared cornbeef hash and a side of seasonal greens and it was delicious! And a very (un)healthy proportion (meaning quite a lot). Of course I had to finish it. Only con is it is bring your own wine which to some would be great but if you're the only one wanting a glass of tipple isn't great. But with that said, can't fault it all. Good staff, good food, quirky environment. Loved it. read more

Went to Rochelle Kitchen in the summer and I had a truly wonderful time! It is a converted bike shed which opens up into the playground when the weather is warm. It really is a magnificent restaurant! The staff here is so lovely, they really make you feel welcome when you arrive, they have been equally wonderful every time I have been back. The menu is good, although not great for vegetarians. However there are several options to choose from. The food tastes delicious and you do get a good quantity of food. The prices are also quite good considering what you get! read more

This is hands down the most beautiful spot in London to sit outside and have breakfast on a sunny Sunday. BUT the service is so incredibly rude I barely bring myself to go there. Chanced it today, regretted it. The most heartbreaking case of East London Syndrome I've found. read more

One of my all time London favourites. Great tasting, daily changing, excellently prepared, well sourced and sometimes unusual food. Great value, quirky venue, nice crowd, friendly staff. Bring-your-own is the cherry on the cake as it means you can grab an excellent bottle from the city beverage company rather than spending excessively on alcohol. Only minor downside is that you probably need to avoid the 1-115 bottle neck as the menu then shrinks by 130not always too bad though as sometimes they throw the odd special back in. read more

Absolutely stunning cooking - Dougie you were definately on your A game!!! Would love to eat your food again.