It’s the hottest day of the year so far, an unseasonably 24 degrees on a Sunday in April. After pounding the pavements of Oxford Street it was time for brunch, but instead of venturing down into Soho I walked into Newman Street and found the hidden gem which is Firedog.
Directly across from the new Crossrail station it won’t be long before everyone knows about Firedog, but for now it’s a secret delight. Moments from the chaos of Oxford Street but an oasis of hipness, oozing cool and delivering top notch food and drinks. The dark wood panelled interior is accented by pink and white ceiling tiles, graffiti art and neon glowing triangles. Along one side you’ll find tables, bathed in the light from the large windows. Opposite them the beautiful bar, an Instagrammers dream and stairs to the surprisingly large and still effortlessly cool downstairs seating area.Firedog is a contemporary Turkish restaurant in which mezze feasting and sharing plates are the norm, producing a modern take on traditional food full of rich smokey flavours. Since we were there for Brunch it was still a little too early in the day to be tempted by the cocktail menu, but I vowed to return on an evening to pour a Roses Of Nostos, a mix of gin, pomegranate and candy floss, down my throat. Instead I opted for a refreshing blood orange and pomegranate soda, perfect for a sunny day and my wife let out a far too loud ‘mmmmm’ as she sipped on her fresh mandarin juice.
On advice we opted for the Breakfast mezze for two and when our table became overran with food we realised what a steal it was at £18 per head. Their signature spread of traditional mezes and specials inspired by Su’dan Alacati is quite simply a taste sensation. Little selections of incredible flavour combinations, a real mix of sweet and savoury, hot and cold, it’s the perfect brunch choice for someone who gets bored with the same-old, same-old. The most incredible thing here is that this is a trendy brunch without an avocado in sight! The selection of warm breads are quick to be devoured with the subtle vanilla butter and local organic honey in large honeycomb blocks which are so floral it reminds you of how something so simple can be so wonderful.The sweeter items match perfectly with things like the chilli eggs, grilled halloumi and Sujuk, a delicately spiced sort-of sausage. The fresh cucumber with poppy seeds and lemon zest makes the mouth zing alongside the homemade lemon curd and tomatoes with purple basil. I was especially surprised by the depth of flavour in the wood roasted tahini with caroub molasses and the unsalted young cheese with fresh fruit and honey was unlike any other breakfast item I’ve enjoyed.
There really is an incredible amount of food bought to the table and this hip trendsetting breakfast is light but filling, leaving you ready for the day not ready for a lie down. It’s packed with things I’d never tried before and now have a hankering to try again, even more so because they’re about to launch a bottomless brunch. Firedog is a place for those in the know. Good news is you’re now one of those people. I suggest you get along quick, before the queues are out the door and everyone is hankering for one of the best brunches London can offer.
Firedog
92 Newman Street
Fitzrovia, London
W1T 3EZ
