I happened to be in the Exmouth Market neighbourhood once lunch a few months back so I met the husband for lunch at Caravan to see whether the restaurant lived up to our previous visit. Given how many bars had come in go in this location prior to Caravan arriving, it was good to see it busy on a weekday lunch (Lots of prams!) and with the roastery appearing to be open.

Given how much I raved about them previously, I had to go for the Blue Cheese and Peanut Wontons (£4) which were as good as last time, if slightly smaller this time around. The salty cheese is an absolute winner in the crispy wonton wrappers. 

One of the stronger dishes we tasted was the Falafel, Apple and Pepper Relish, with Tahini and Coriander (£4.50). Some of the freshest falafels I’ve tasted, the sweet relish on top worked well with the Tahini sauce. I thought the portion size was also very generous given the price.

The Cornbread and Chipotle Butter (£3.50) was possibly my favourite this time around. The bread itself was quite sweet and was filled with chunks of corn plus it had a more-ish caramelised crust on the outside. It was perfect slathered with the spicy chipotle butter than came with it.  

Unfortunately the most expensive of the dishes, turned out to be my least favourite of the day. The Chargrilled Elwy Valley Lamb Chump with Piquillo Pepper, Mint and Broad Bean Salsa (£8) promised so much but failed to live up to expectations. The meat itself was cold and I couldn’t determine whether this was a fault of it taking too long to arrive at our table, or whether it was just meant to be this way. Secondly, the meat appeared to be more burnt than chargrilled, although this was nicely covered up by the broad bean salsa. Finally I felt that the broad beans just didn’t marry well with the peppers at all. Showing just how subjective taste is, Brad loved this dish! 

Next up was the Japanese styled Squid Pancake with Japanese Brown Sauce, Mayonnaise and Seaweed Salt (£7.50). Although it wasn’t as authentic as say, Abeno Two in Covent Garden but it was perfect winter comfort food. 

Our final dish was the Cured Salmon, Peas, Cucumber and Wasabi Dressing (£7) which felt more like a spring dish than something you’d receive in the dead of a London winter. Despite my initial misgivings, the salmon was fresh and there was a generous serve of it on the plate. The combination of flavours was brilliant and I loved the pea shoots used to garnish it too. 

We stuck to (the free tap) water during our lunch and with two Flat Whites (£2.40) added at the end the total bill came to a little over £44. A little too much for an everyday lunch but great for a treat or a light dinner. I really have to head up this way for a weekend brunch one time!

Caravan - Restaurant, Bar & Roastery
Number 11-13 Exmouth Market
London EC1R 4QD
Phone: +44(0)2078338115 
http://www.caravanonexmouth.co.uk/