Jackson + Rye, Soho

Jackson & Rye is located in a prime spot at the lower end of Wardour Street. The decision to visit was not, as is so often the case, a stumble upon by chance, a result of a complex chain of Google results, or a an off the cuff recommendation which came good. The decision to visit was much more of a resignation to the fact that we would eventually end up here. Since opening some months ago, this trendy brunch spot has been difficult to avoid, with many a good word printed and a tantalising photo taken. Even its overbearing awning, looming over the pavement, and intriguing net curtains, begged curiosity each time we passed. 

As is probably clear by now, we were keen to visit. 11.30 on a Sunday and there was a small queue forming outside. Thankfully, we had booked, and shown to our excellently positioned table by the window (it was only at the end of the meal when visiting the facilities that I realised it is actually deceptively huge - out table was by far the best positioned for the time of day, rather than being tucked away in the dim basement. That said, it is all beautifully done out and I would not have kicked up a fuss!). 

When ordering my coffee, I thought it would be interesting to go for the drip coffee, I was asked from which part of the world I would like the coffee to come from. Slightly taken aback by this, I let on that I was considering the question carefully, but ultimately couldn't give a monkeys if it were Colombian or Guatemalan (I know, I should really know which one is better - both in taste and in moral - but in the few seconds I had to decide where I wanted my coffee to come from, this level of conscious and considered strategy escaped me). The coffee comes in a theatrical arrangement of plate, doily, mug, milk jug, jug of boiling water, funny cone thingy, filter paper, oh and ground coffee, at which point you are invited to pour the water over the coffee at your leisure. Twenty minutes later and my mug was about full. A nice touch, and good for a one off, but if I were a regular I could probably do without the pretense. 

To eat we had eggs; avocado benedict and angler's, both of which were fantastic. We also had a side of the buttermilk pancakes, simply because we had heard good things - for a reason. The banana cream and maple syrup which comes with them is worth going back for in itself.

The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, the service was great and the food was even better. This New York style brunch spot - with its deep wood cladding, lines of green bottles and red striped dishtowel napkins - is no revolution in gastronomy, but it is comfortable, and comforting. It is honest, and simple, but a spectacle at the same time. They've got it, ahem, Rye-ight at this place.



 56 Wardour St,
 Soho,
 London 
 W1D 4JF
www.jacksonrye.com