I dont live anywhere near Dalston, but venturing to Jones & Sons is something I will happily do again. The restaurant, formerly an old Victorian textile factory, and also home to Cell Studios - a not-for profit arts promotion organisation - is open all day serving high quality, classic British food, predominantly of local origin (meat comes from Hackneys Well Street Butchers and beers are from London breweries Meantime, very local Beavertown and The Kernel).
The open, pitched-roofed kitchen sits like a mini theatre, with head chef Kieran Hope, formerly of Bistroteque, taking centre-stage doing what he does best for the 50-cover dining room to see. White-washed brick walls compliment the leather banquette, which runs the entire length of the right-hand wall, and Scandinavian-style seating occupies the rest of the room, along with the impressive oak-clad, marble-topped bar.
Managing Director and co-owner, Andy Jones, was on the floor making sure everything was running smoothly, which it was. The feast that we ordered arrived in a timely fashion, well presented and tasting delicious. No complaints here (other than not being able to eat everything that we ordered - the flaws of an overly tempting menu). Their meat dishes, in particular, were superb. We tried the duck and venison, and Im already planning when I will make my visit for Sunday roast. Though they also have some excellent fish and vegetarian options, including Roast Ray Wing, Pan Fried Hake and Vegetable Gratin.
Other favourites included the wild boar and hazelnut terrine, slow-cooked sticky pork ribs and the macaroni cheese (yes, we ate a lot), and the house red (Terrassa Viura) was both tasty and reasonably priced at £16. They make a mean Jones Collins, too. And, on that note, their brunch menu screams hangover cure. Though if youre not a big drinker, Monmouth coffee is served throughout the day from a vintage Faema machine. Everyones a winner.
The ELLEuk Score
Food: 9
Ambience: 8
Service: 9
Value: 8
Style of food: Classic British
Good for: A group dinner, birthday/celebration, date, casual drink, lunch, brunch.
Prices and Other Details
Address: Jones & Sons, 23 27 Arcola Street, London, E8 2DJ. Enq: +44 (0) 207 241 1211, jonesandsonsdalston.com, Twitter: @JonesSons
Opening times: Monday: 10am 5pm, Tuesday to Thursday: 10am 11pm, Friday and Saturday 10am midnight, Sunday 10am 8pm
Average price per person for two-course meal without wine: £25
Set menu: Yes. Please go to website for details: jonesandsonsdalston.com
Price of house wine: Terrassa Viura, Spain, Carimena (£4.80 175ml, £5.80 250 ml, £16.00 a bottle), Pinot Grigio Rosato Ca'Lunghetta Casa Vinicola Botter, Italy, Veneto (£5.00 175ml, £6.00 250ml, £17.00 a bottle), Terrassa Tempranillo Spain, Carimena (£4.80 175ml, £5.80 250ml, £16.00 a bottle)
Price of house champagne: Prosecco Spumante, Bosco Dei Cirmioli, Italy, Veneto (£4.50 110ml, £20.00 a bottle)
Private dining: There is no separate private room, unfortunately, but the entire restaurant can be hired out for special occasions such as weddings, etc. Its a 50-cover restaurant, but can also accommodate up to 100 theatre style, or 130 standing for snacks and cocktails.
Garden/al fresco dining? No
Bar? Yes
Who goes? Dalston dwellers (and those from further afield, like myself) who are after a well-made British meal and/or quality drink.
Door Policy? Reservations preferred in the evening, with some space for walk-ins.
Nearest tube: Dalston Kingsland / Dalston Junction Overground
