19th September 2013

One of the things I love about living in London is having great restaurants and shops within walking distance.  It’s even better when you can count somewhere as your ‘local’, because it’s just around the corner.

Ben’s Canteen is my new favourite local since I moved – a charming, cosy little place that describes itself perfectly as an ‘all day neighbourhood hangout’.  They do glorious brunches, yummy burgers, dinner and drinks.  You can find them a short walk up St John’s Hill in Battersea – it’s close to Clapham Junction.

O and I wandered over for a brunch/lunch a couple of days ago.  When the weather’s nice, the doors are open onto the street, and you can sit on benches outside.  It was a bit nippy, so we settled down opposite the bar and scanned the menu.

I’ve been enough times now that I know what I want pretty quickly.

Are you ready?  Ta da… el Breakfast Burrito…

Just look at the melty cheese coming out of that bad boy.  We’re talking eggs, chorizo, cheese and coriander.  What a combo.  It’s so delicious that I actually took the idea home and made some myself – but that’s another story for another day.

This burrito is the ultimate hangover cure (+ Bloody Mary, if it’s really hurting).

O was sipping on cloudy apple juice and lime as his full English (the ‘Big Ben’) arrived.

It comes with beans as well, but we asked for them on the side so that I could eat them!

Because I am incapable of only ordering one thing at a restaurant, here’s what else we had…

Unbelievable hash browns (these are more gratin-esque than crunchy for anyone interested).

And a side of mac & cheese.  I am a big m&c fan – if it’s available you can be sure I’ll ask for it.  While this is good, I think that the menu should note that it’s quite mustardy.  I do like the flavour, but not everybody is keen and it was a bit of a surprise.

We may have had slightly too much food, but managed to accommodate it somehow…

The poached eggs were exactly right – look at the yolk.

Please go and try Ben’s Canteen for yourself – the staff are all very welcoming and friendly and it’s a nice place to watch the world go by.  If I’m home, I might come and join!

P.S. I think it’s likely I’ll do another Ben’s post about the dinner menu soon – watch this space.