This Bright Field is exactly what a good neighbourhood restaurant should be – relaxed and easy going, with fabulous food and lovely staff. They have only been open for seven weeks and have already made a real impact on the East London food scene. The restaurant has focused on details and celebrated the ingredients they use. I loved that the names of the suppliers were proudly displayed on the wall. You knew straight away that you were in for a treat.
The menu is short, sweet and brilliantly priced – £18.50 for 2 courses or £21.50 for 3. To start we had the smoked chicken and Suffolk ham terrine. The wonderful chunky textured terrine was mixed with tart capers and herbs and sat on a bed of sticky-sweet braised onions. It was decorated, without being over done, with slices of radish and juicy pea shoots. We also went for the Cornish soused sardines that were served with slithers of cucumber, giant capers, a lush about of dill and sweet Sussex gooseberries. It was delicious, and I loved the cheeky hint of Scandinavian cool.
The mains followed the lead of the wonderful starters. I had the old spot pork fillet, cider and wild mushroom pie that was deliciously creamy and rich, with just the right balance of cider to cut through the sauce. It was served with perfect mustard mash – say no more! We also got the Loch Duart salmon with spiced lentils and a coriander and cucumber yogurt. This was my kind of food. Fresh clean flavours that work beautifully together. It was fabulous.
This Bright Field, 268 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9Da. 020 8880 7080 www.thisbrightfield.com