What and where? On the tip of Westfield is this new modern British restaurant, with Sicilian head chef Alessandro Femino at the helm, which opened on the third floor of the new Hyatt Hotel last year. It’s an elegant, rather pared-back dining room with subtle lighting and comfy arched booths, designed by Scott Brownrigg architects, the intention, they say, being to “mirror the connectivity of Stratford.”
The vibe? On a Sunday lunch that coincided with a key match at the London Stadium, as well as thousands of weekending Christmas shoppers, Elondi quite literally provided a chilled oasis much needed with a delicate hangover. The bar is glam enough, and adjoining secret terrace would be lovely if it had been warmer. But the real plus was a restaurant so pleasantly quiet we could basically hide from the crowds. Perfect.
And so to business. My partner and I were there to try the new weekend roast offer, also available on Saturdays (12-5pm). There are different price points depending on how hungry you are, from £12 for a fairly meaty starter to £26 for a main only, or £30 for two courses, and £40 for three.
Walk us through this. Plant-based diners can go for cauliflower soup with blue cheese croquettes, or a tasty-sounding celeriac and truffle tian with mushroom jus. Our meaty starter of guinea fowl ballotine (above right) paired its sweet meat with the bitter hit of braised chicory, in a tangy orange and tarragon jus, while a rich potted mackerel came studded with brown shrimp butter and slices of sourdough. So far, so good.
LOCAL ADVERTISING
And the mains? We were impressed by the flavour of both a succulent slow-cooked pork shoulder and a magnificently pink roast beef, sliced thickly and butter-soft to the knife, smothered in a delicious beef jus gravy that punched umami.
All the usual veg were present and cooked perfectly: Yorkshires, potatoes, roasted carrot and parsnip slivers, beans. And the portion wasn’t overwhelming: thankfully we didn’t need a lie-down afterwards.
Anything else we should know? Try a glass of Gusbourne pink fizz: this Kentish sparkling wine is amongst the best English wines we’ve tasted (from £12 a glass). Also recommended is the Cotes De Rhone (£8 a glass), while house wine is a not-unreasonable £29 a bottle. Oh, and the puddings! The apple crumble was especially good (with the spiced rice pudding with pineapple, above right, not far behind it).
In summary? If Westfield is on your list this festive period, a diversion to Elondi makes a relaxing couple of hours’ break from the excitable hordes. Just while away an afternoon as we did, then stroll back over the Olympic Park.
Leytonstoner were guests at Elondi.
