Never judge a book by its cover. This bar-café-bookshop hybrid named after one-time London resident, alcoholic and man of letters Edgar Allan Poe isn’t anywhere near as cerebral as it sounds. (We’re still unsure if it’s just a coincidence that it has taken over the site of bar Stories.) This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We enjoyed down-to-earth service from bar staff. But we didn’t clock anyone in here perusing the walls lined with books for sale, while signs dotted around the place warned that thieves would be prosecuted. Perhaps the whole bookshop message isn’t quite hitting home.
What is resonating with Broadway Market frequenters is a solid menu of brunch classics. On sunny weekends the pavements are lined with diners scoffing on staples like pancakes and eggs every way. Inside, you’ll find freelancers with laptops and students enjoying reasonably priced cocktails. It’s a young crowd lured in by cheesy pop hits and party drinks, the likes of which are harder to come by in Broadway Market’s more charming pubs.
We tried an accomplished espresso martini and a Pornstar Martino, whose name-change in honour of a member of the bar staff was the most adventurous thing about it. Both drinks were solid, but nothing to write home about. Edgar’s makes for a reasonable brunch location. But when it comes to drinking on Broadway Market, stick to the classics.