The eastern outpost of Fitzrovia’s Lantana is roomier and serves an evening menu as well as the lunch and breakfast dishes Lantana is known for. The stack of corn fritters with crispy bacon, spinach and roast tomato, with avocado-chilli-lime salsa and crème fraiche, is a must-try in both locations. More sizeable mains such as a moreish Asian sticky chicken salad with nuoc cham dressing generally hit the spot too. Good, own-made cakes are baked daily, and often reflect the café’s Antipodean heritage – you might see friands arrayed on the counter.
Weekend brunch is popular, for the easy-going atmosphere as much as the near-perfect comfort food. Such dishes include delicious french toast (a dreamy toasted coconut version with ricotta, lime syrup and pistachio), inventive eggy combos, and specials such as grilled asparagus with black pudding, roast tomato, poached egg and hollandaise on sourdough. Add a generous bloody mary and you’re set up for the day.
Noise reverberates around the industrial space (all exposed pipework and bare walls), but, visually at least, Salvation Jane is softened by a charming collection of mid-century modern bits and pieces. Staff are kept busy, working both the room and the outdoor terrace, but efficiency can tail off at night.