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Deli Cat & Sons (named after the French word for refined, délicat) had the misfortune of opening in March 2020 just as lockdown commenced. The company want to revive the tradition of a local grocer with the causal nature of a neighbourhood eatery. Throughout lockdown in the UK, they have been providing local food deliveries. And now in July, as lockdown easing is underway Deli Cat & Sons has opened its doors to customers again, so we popped in to try this riverside eatery.
Deli Cat & Sons
As a local grocer, Deli Cat & Sons say their mission is to serve their neighbourhood with local and fresh produce coming directly from regional farmers and artisan producers. They offer fresh bread, artisanal cheeses, dried goods, locally sourced fruit and vegetables, and a daily menu focusing on fresh pastries and coffees in the morning, light bites combining salads bowls, eggs and tartines, and sharing boards for an early aperitif.
For Vada readers, this means if you’re in visiting the City of London, Deli Cat & Sons is a convenient place to pick up something for breakfast at your MisterB&B rental. Alternatively, the Thames-front space overlooking Millennium Bridge, the Tate Modern and Globe Theatre is a place to stop and recharge with a bite to eat or cocktail.
Ambience and service
Of the two dining areas – there is an open bar area as well as the glass fronted-cafe overlooking the Thames – we chose the river-front space to sit. Very little footfall in the city meant that we had plenty of choice. Despite that we had to ask for copies of paper menus and weren’t prompted to check online (which we now know) as has become customary during lockdown. However, once we had ordered, food and drinks arrived promptly.
The quiet ambience, river views coupled with the wooden Scandic-style furniture, lavender and wicker dotted throughout made for a calming space.
Menu
As well as a breakfast pots, sandwiches, salad boxes and items from the daily bakery, Deli Cat & Son have three sharing board options. We opted to try the Mezzeh board (£9) which somehow materialised as the Cheese Platter (£11.50), and the Charcuterie Plate (£14). We will have to wait to get our Kalamata olive and chilli-roasted Feta fix another day. Common amongst the platters is the crusty sourdough, so do ask for an extra slice to two, if needed. Both the cheese and charcuterie platters were generously portioned – enough for 2 diners, were well-presented and served on handmade plates.
We also tried a couple of drinks from the cocktail menu (all £9). Standing out as winning serves were the Paloma Sky (made with Portobello Road Gin, Lavender, Grapefruit, Butterly Pea, and sugar), and an Eden Rose (made with New Amsterdam Vodka, Lillet Blanc, rhubarb, vanilla and sugar).
Overall thoughts
The river-front location of Deli Cat & Sons makes the venue an attractive location. As a light lunch, the platters were generous and welcome but we felt they did not wow as much as the view. The cocktails were surprisingly well blended. Gin lovers needing a cool sip should try the Paloma Sky.
Deli Cat & Sons is located on the ground floor of the Locke at Broken Wharf hotel, 2 Broken Wharf, Queenhithe, EC4V 3DT
Deli Cat & Sons is open 7am-6pm (Monday to Wednesday), and 7am-9pm (Thursday to Sunday). For more information visit delicatandsons.co.uk.
