Restaurant aims to tempt Wharfers out

By Jon Massey on June 22, 2009 12:49 PM |

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The shiny private estate that is Canary Wharf has much to offer those that work in it.

But even when popping down to the ground floor of their glass towers, eschewing office canteens for more exciting destinations, most Wharfers, I suspect, do not venture beyond the estate's heavily policed borders.

It's comfy in here after all. And besides, where would you go?

For those willing to explore, a restaurant that recently opened in the East End is keen to tempt Wharf workers out of their steel boxes.

The Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room opened two months ago in the bustling Mile End Road.

Not an easy jaunt from the Wharf by public transport, but quick enough by taxi and certainly an option for entertaining clients free from an office atmosphere.

Head chef Maria Elia, right, said: "The menu is fresh and packed with seasonal ingredients and I try to change it as often as possible.

"The restaurant is quite small, but you should see the kitchen - it's very small. We have had to develop a menu you can cook on one stove."

Although dishes change daily, you're likely to find such combinations as slow roasted spiced pork belly with shaved fennel and cherry vine tomato salad alongside Pan fried bream with charred baby leeks and golden beets.

Maria said: "While we have to keep some things the same while we're building up a following.

"But what I really like to do is think outside the box.

"For example, beer batter on fish is normal so I thought why not try ginger beer batter on pollock and it's been really popular.

"We don't compromise on quality, but I am conscious of price. We are currently offering £15 for a two-course set menu at lunchtime from Tuesday to Sunday.

"We also have a private dining room and when we're a bit more established I'd like to start running some tasting menus, matching wines to the food."

Herbivores should also find a range of dishes to their liking as Maria is the author of recipe book The Modern Vegetarian.

She said: "I'm not a vegetarian myself, but I was asked if I would like to do it and I thought it would be a challenge.

"I wanted people to be able to offer more than a mushroom risotto as a vegetarian option - things people could cook at home."

In the restaurant though, she creates dishes of greater complexity, often using one ingredient, such as carrots or asparagus, for inspiration and presenting it in four different ways as a main course.

So if you're looking for a restaurant that promises fresh thinking outside the Wharf comfort zone this could be the answer.

Set menu: Two courses for £15 or three for £20.

Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room
77-82 Whitechapel High Street
London E1 7QX
020 7522 7896
whitechapelgallery.org/dine
Central line: Aldgate East