Blend

Coffee & Brunch Cafe

587 Green Lanes, Harringay, N8 0RG

££

On 9th August it was very very hot. A perfectly sunny day for breakfast out, especially due to our new found freedom with the city opening up again. I did a quick google and coming up as one of the best on nearby Green Lanes was relaxed and artsy cafe Blend - which serves a mix of artisan coffee, baked goods and sourdough pizza. It also serves multiple brunch options, including traditionals such a croque monsieur and some more original options, such as pork hash.

Given it was well over 25 degrees, we opted for a fresh orange juice (£3.9) and an iced latte (£2.9). Service was slightly weird, the cafe being near empty and the waitress looking a mixture of fear and confusion at our arrival. We sat by the window at the front of the restaurant where it was nice and light, and despite being on a main road, the cafe remained peaceful and relatively quiet. There was a mothers meeting going on at the back of the cafe, on a large table - eyes of the 6 women gathered followed me as I entered the bathroom - regulars? Or just more people that didn't really want us there? Who knows (or cares).

Our food order was taken by a much friendlier waiter - we both opted for the poached eggs with wilted spinach, hollandaise, toasted muffin and salmon (£9.9) - basically a long way of saying eggs Royale/eggs Florentine. These were presented beautifully, came quickly and had perfectly run yolks. My only criticism would be of the slightly shy drizzling of hollandaise: I like my breakfasts swimming in the stuff. Given the other tasty options on the menu (huevos rancheros, French toast, smoothie bowls), I have no doubt that I will return once the cafe is back open. I can take a sour start for a tasty finish any day!

OVERALL RATING: ****

http://www.localblend.co.uk