A good breakfast is the key to a productive day, so last Friday I started the morning with an energy-boosting feast at Farmer J. Based in Leadenhall, just opposite the market, the newly-opened Farmer J is all about healthy fast food done well.
Almost everything is made from scratch by chefs from morning to evening in the open kitchen using fresh, seasonal ingredients and free-range, prime meats sourced from quality high welfare-farms.
Farmer J’s signature dish is the customisable Fieldtray, offering a choice of tempting grilled meat/fish/tofu with grains or leaves, two gourmet vegetable sides and sauce. It also does a selection of sandwiches, salads, healthy sweet treats and cold-pressed juices.
While lunch-time sees a whirlwind of hungry City workers, Farmer J’s upstairs dining room is calm and pleasant for a breakfast refuel or even a relaxed meeting.
I was planning a light breakfast, but couldn’t resist following recommendations and trying some Shakshuka (£4.49). I’ve tried making my own version of this Israeli breakfast staple at home, but this was the first time I’d ever ordered it outside.
Two soft poached eggs poached were smothered in a spicy slow-roasted tomato sauce with red peppers and plenty of cumin, topped with salty and fluffy feta and fresh parsley. If you like a filling breakfast with quite a kick, this one is for you. The portion size was huge with plenty of sauce to mop up with a slice of rustic toast.
I was also in the mood for an avo fix, so I added a cheeky Smashed avocado on toast (£3.49). It was so, so good – the creamy avocado had a superior flavour and was enhanced with zesty lime, coriander, diced red onion and torn basil, topped with feta and plenty of chilli flakes. But it was the toast that really made it exciting, as it was charred on the open grill, giving it a gorgeous smoky taste.
I did find the avocado blend a little too piquant for early morning, but that’s just personal taste and it’s not overwhelmingly hot.
To finish off my three-course breakfast, I cooled down my tastebuds with a Raw paleo granola pot (£2.49). The home-made, slow-roasted mixed nuts and seeds and dried fruits were subtly coated with honey and maple and served with silky yoghurt and the most delicious caramelised bananas.
I usually start the day with a strong cup of tea, but I went for a more interesting Berry protein fuel smoothie (£3.99), made with almond milk, mixed berries, hemp protein, banana, honey and coconut oil. This super-smoothie was nourishing, healthy and dairy-free – perfect for a refreshing morning boost.
Farmer J is the kind of place that London needs more of and it’s sure to get you excited about breakfast on the go.
For more information, visit: www.farmerj.com
Chérie City was a guest of Farmer J
All photos by Chérie City
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