REVIEW: DAMSON & CO, SOHO

Damson & Co opened this summer on Brewer Street in Soho. Although Damson & Co is a perfect spot for coffee or lunch, with coffee beans supplied by Shoreditch’s Ozone and a very open shabby chic layout, it makes for a great pre-clubbing eaterie just a stone’s throw from Old Compton Street. Its small but bustling interior offers an exciting menu of artisan small plates, sharers and platters; sandwiches, cakes and snacks; and a great breakfast menu.

The food has recently been complemented by a fabulous British wine menu, with an extensive range of bubblies for those with lavish tastes, including an exceptional and highly popular sparkling red. There’s also a cool range of spirits; bottled beers, including Hiver honey beer; and fresh juices, including beetroot and carrot, carrot and orange, apple and rhubarb and apple and pear. Blended drinks include the nutty pear, and banana and berries.

The Damson muffin is the signature breakfast: omelette, beans and cheese, served in a muffin. You can get eggs benedict, eggs royale, eggs florentine, toasties, porridge and granola. If you have a sweet tooth you can pick up one of the freshly-baked madeleines or a cake from the counter. During the daytime, the huge, fully opening windows flood the place with light, making for a great start to the day.

The mains are especially great if you like meat, cheese and seafood. These are served with an eye for presentation. The cured meats are bursting with flavour, the cheeses bold and creamy, and the fish served fresh on a bed of crushed ice.

You’re looking at paying Soho prices, of course, but the lovely staff and great atmosphere more than make up for it. Damson & Co is a great hangout any time of day.

Damson & Co, 21 Brewer Street, Soho (open 9am till 10pm)                       damsonandco.com