Today I jumped on the train and the Jubilee Line underground for the first time in ages. Over the years I’ve commuted along a version of this route to several offices yet today it felt strangely weird and unfamiliar. I felt a bit like a tourist in London, no longer striding through corridors knowing exactly which turn to take. With the pandemic (a nightmare) and my recent abundant travels (a dream come true), I’ve not spent much time on the underground, and my mapping knowledge of its intricacies seems to have been pushed way into the back of my head! Gotta remedy that…
Anyway, I did find my way to today’s destination – Borough Market. One of my favourite areas in London with the magnificent Shard towering over it, myriad fascinating food and drink stalls (there seem to be more of them every time I visit) and diverse restaurants to enjoy. London never fails to disappoint with new areas being developed around every corner – like today when we are heading to Borough Yards for lunch at Brother Marcus.
Just around the corner from the buzz of the marketplace this newly renovated area under the arches is home to several new restaurants. Brother Marcus opened here three months ago, leading the way in this peaceful enclave. There are two other branches in London, created by three best friends Arthur, Alex and Tas. They have traveled the Eastern Mediterranean extensively and wanted to bring these flavours to London…so now they have. The restaurant is named after Alex’s little Brother Marcus – apparently he’s legendary for making friends with everyone – sounds like someone I’d like to meet! There’s a warm welcome into the bright modern space and we were soon settled at our table.
What’s on the menu
The menu is divided into two sections. Rips & Dips includes a selection of delicious dips and toasted fluffy pita bread. We tucked into the deliciously smooth and creamy black garlic houmous with crispy chickpeas with a lovely zesty bite.
Next up – succulent Kataifi lamb croquettes with garlic yogurt and burnt harissa butter. Encased in crispy little ribbons of Greek-style pastry the lamb was bursting with flavour, a dish with the perfect combination of crunch and softness.
Then there’s the Mezze section – vegetable, fish and meat dishes to share. We picked the grilled asparagus and feta salad, cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, pickled radish and confit garlic. A lovely mix of fresh flavours, how I love grilled asparagus.
This beautiful plate of king prawns is seared in Aleppo (a type of pepper) and garlic butter. Sweet and juicy and plenty of butter to be mopped up with any of that tasty pita that’s left over.
One of the mezze dishes which we really wanted to order was baked cheese served with bacon relish but unfortunately they didn’t have any cheese. So we cheekily asked if we could try the bacon relish anyway. Good decision, bacony and slightly sweet and perfect for spreading on bread – I need more bacon relish in my life.
What a joy to be out and about exploring the streets of London again. And regaining my (somewhat considerable) skills in negotiating London Transport – time to get back to business in London Town.
Today’s price point
Our food cost £45 and it was plenty for two people.
Both red and white wine start from £29 a bottle.
Cocktails start from £9.
Brother Marcus is at 1 Dirty Lane, Borough Yards SE1
