Don’t tell anyone, but my little corner of Battersea is rather lovely, and it just keeps getting better. La Moka café arrived on Battersea High Street two years ago and soon built up a loyal local following with their al fresco market stand at the weekends, friendly service, and serious drinks. But it was always far too small a site (though full of character) for their ambitions, so it was no big surprise to see them move to a bigger space this autumn, thankfully only a few doors down the road. The interiors are charming, the Allpress coffee hits the spot, and Little Bread Pedlar pastries are some of the best in London, but most exciting of all is the addition of a proper kitchen and a daily brunch menu.
UPDATE : La Moka has unfortunately closed down! A similar café is set to take its place.
I’ve been in a couple of times already, and the dishes have been nothing short of exceptional. On my most recent visit, we devoured a special of fried chicken eggs benedict served with potato hash and a subtly spicy hollandaise sauce. Just as good was the peas & feta smash with mint, dukkah, and a lemon & sumac dressing, smartly incorporating Middle Eastern spices that are appearing in exciting restaurants all over London at the moment.
Another excellent plate is the “big brekkie” that ignores fry up convention and serves up eggs with fried vegetables, pork patties, bacon and green pesto – wonderful stuff. For you healthy types, there’s red quinoa porridge with banana, coconut and goji berries, and bircher muesli with blueberry and chia seed jam. For me, there are regular specials like salt beef hash and steak toasties, and all at very reasonable prices. It’s a fantastic addition to the neighbourhood food scene, and another good reason to head south of the river to SW11.
La Moka – www.lamoka.co.uk
179 Battersea High St, London SW11 3JS
