I have been eyeing this cute little cafe up for a while now while I get my fix of french goods and groceries in the deli across the road. I finally went in today and was not disappointed.
Its narrow and long in shape, with a light-filled and airy main room at the front, kitchen and toilets adjoining a corridor which leads to a wood be-decked area which was too cold on this chilly autumnal grey day.
The food was delicious. To warm myself up I had a big pot of tea and the soup - an ever-so-slightly spiced spinach dhal with four generous hunks of brown bread - don't you just hate it when places are mean with their soup bread? Anyway, Venetia's isn't.
The place was full and buzzing as it was lunchtime. Everyone's tables seem to touch, giving a cosy feel, and because of this, it seemed like I found a reason talk to almost everyone eating there in the half-hour I stayed - unusual in London. It wasn't just me. Everyone was chatting and laughing with each other.
I took this chance to check out what my neighbours were eating. They each had a mixed salad plate, with big spoonfuls of marinated tomatoes, couscous and houmous all mixed in with fresh leaves and brown bread. Even though I enjoyed my soup, I think I'll get this next time!
Downsides? Well, it is out of the way, in Clapton, and some of the more snobbish might not like the look of the street outside. What I have called cosy some others might call squished. No sooner had I entered the place than I was helping a trapped fellow customer lever herself out from between a corner table and a stack of baby chairs. Plus the waitress forgot to give me milk for my tea and there was no salt or pepper on the table for my soup. Note to Venetia: life is all about the condiments!
But apart from these minor complaints, its difficult to fault this little place. My soup and pot of tea, plus leisurely lounge with two newspapers, cost £3.50. If you're in the area, you should definitely try it. read more