The Easton (Bar, Restaurant)

It’s always a joy to discover a pub that doubles as the ideal summer, and winter spot. The Easton, steps from Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell, does just this. I sit with an icy white wine spritzer, (add soda, not lemonade) and in spite of the heat wave outside, envisage cozying up on Sunday afternoon in December with a tasty roast and a pint.

On an early July evening, however, the doors and windows remain ajar, as the breezy bar churns out tasteful reggae across its broad dining room while friends and colleagues drink and dine in the subtly stylish environment. The décor blends seamlessly with your mood, providing a setting for conversation to flow – without the distraction of abundant and outdone design. The outdoor seating lies on the street – which is quiet enough to act as the pub’s beer garden.

The menu changes each week offering pub food with an imaginative Spanish finesse. Seasonal veg accompany most dishes adding to the fresh and tasty fare. My friend’s salad of manchego and piquillo peppers, dotted with vine tomatoes, and drizzled in garlicky oil was delightfully refreshing and light.

I went for the excellent pan-fried haddock with new potato and char grilled asparagus salad – although a dollop of homemade aioli will make most things quite pleasant. The great wine list is due to the rep being a good friend of the owners, and who personally tends to the Easton’s catalogue of vintages. (Reservations are recommended for dinner.)

The clientele is fairly casual due to the media businesses and charities in the area although the quality of the food draws in a different crowd than your typical after-work boozers. Fridays are busiest when only tapas is available and a DJ plays old school latin beats and classics like Van Morrison....read more