(menu)

Caravanone star

11-13 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QD

£39.00 Fusion Clerkenwell, Barbican
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An all-singing, all-dancing feature of the Exmouth Market scene, Caravan ‘adds considerable lustre to the enclave’s already impressive crown’, serving breakfast, lunch & dinner – & even moonlighting as a boozer after sundown. Recent reports have waxed lyrical about its ‘fabulous, eclectic food’. Chef Miles Kirby learned his trade at fusion pioneer The Providores, & his menu is a veritable United Nations of global flavours: small plates feature the likes of squid pancake with Japanese brown sauce, mayo & seaweed salt, while bigger dishes maintain the worldwide theme – try crispy-skinned tilapia with green mango som tam salad or Szechuan pork belly with tofu, Cape gooseberries & pumpkin seeds. Wacky desserts such as orange-flower blancmange with a dreamy guava sorbet await on the other side, & the wine list is ‘dangerous, for all the right reasons’.

Overall Diner Rating

7.5
Food & Drink
7.8
Service
8.0
Atmosphere
7.8
Value
7.3

Based on 13 ratings. Rate it!

Customer Reviews

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  1. Angelina G.
    Reviews: 1

    Angelina G. ( Female )

    29 August 2011

    This place rocks. Great food and service at good prices.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 8
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  2. Martin H.
    Reviews: 1

    Martin H. ( 40s, Male, United Kingdom )

    7 August 2011

    Saw the ques expected so much I thought I'm going to have a great brunch!
    I was so wrong the bubble ‘n’ squeak tasted sour as if it was made with kimchi, scrambled eggs were bad and the bacon tasted of nothing. Worst of all the flat white tasted of tepid milk.

    Wasd at St.Ali the other week it was oh so much better

    • Overall: 1
    • Food & Drink: 1
    • Service: 2
    • Atmosphere: 1
    • Value: 1
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  3. Laura G.
    Reviews: 1

    Laura G. ( 30s, Female, Spain )

    30 March 2011

    Overall it's not been a good experience. Minuscule portions at extrordinary prices. We live very near and have been there about 5 times. Food is tasty although really greasy. We're not coming back after having paid 7 pounds for a single toast of coconut bread. We checked the bill and complaint. The waittress' answer was that he could read my mind and ordered the whole coconut bread breakfast instead of a single slice of bread, which was exactly what we ordered. Very rude people and very bad service. The owner, who is the chef, came up to talk to us just to offer a bargain, 5 pounds for a single coconut bread slice. It was the waiter's fault but we paid for his lack of professionalism. We were a regular costumer but they preferred to charge for the bread rather than kept a good costumer.
    Very small space packed with lots of tables. You can smell your neighbourd's table food and hear their conversation even if you're not paying attention.
    They have a very random table distribution based on your style.
    The Elks in the Wood (Camden passage) and Moro (Exmoth market) offer better food, really good quality and extrodinary service.

    • Overall: 1
    • Food & Drink: 3
    • Service: 1
    • Atmosphere: 6
    • Value: 1
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  4. Ms. Macaroon
    Silver Reviewer

    Ms. Macaroon ( 30s, Female, London )

    November 2010

    Visited on a Sunday lunchtime as sadly Morito was closed (note to self, must start checking Sunday opening hours!).

    Disappointed that Caravan only offer a brunch menu during the day at weekends, which was distinctly underwhelming. A miniscule portion of poached eggs, bubble & squeak & baked ham arrived on a stone cold plate, with congealed hollandaise and cold eggs. No excuse for that, especially at these prices. Baked eggs with ragout & chorizo was delicious (and hot!) but too soupy – should have been served with bread and a spoon.

    They also need a new Prosecco supplier as the current brand is lifeless – sent our first glasses back but even a new bottle failed to yield much more fizz. Brilliant punchy Bloody Mary's though, and charming, attentiive service.

    Left with the feeling that if the laidback kitchen put as much effort into the food as the place does into being ‘cool’, it could be so much better.

    • Overall: 6
    • Food & Drink: 6
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 5
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  5. Sim T

    Sim T ( 40s, Male )

    September 2010

    Birlliant – love this place and go there repeatedly.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 8
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  6. Dionne C.
    Reviews: 1

    Dionne C. ( Female )

    June 2010

    I was taken to Caravan as a guest of a client a few weeks ago (a party of four) and returned again on my own with my partner because I wanted him to see what I was raving about.

    Fantastic service, really brilliant. Nice to be served by people who know what they are talking about and seem to enjoy working there.

    The food is outstanding. Always nervous the small plates are never going to fill us up but this was not the case. at my client lunch we selected a bit of everything under the instruction of my host and it was delicious. The wine menu is also well selected and well priced.

    On the weekend I visited with my partner and we had a fabulous brunch outside in the sun. Superb coffee, and delicious “Caravan fry up” for my partner. I had food envy until I tried mine – the cornbread french toast. Finished with more coffees – when they are this good it is a shame not to.

    I will be returning.. next time for dinner and more drinks. I want to try the large plates!

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 10
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  7. C.gabriel
    Reviews: 1

    C.gabriel ( 30s, Female )

    May 2010
    Editor's pick

    I've been to Caravan four times (lunch and brunch twice), which I feel warrants an unbiased review.

    This place is good. Really good. The Kiwis here have mastered the balance of great food and drink, exceptional service and good atmosphere without being too potentious or stuffy.

    The brunch menu is great, interesting balance of your regular favourites plus a few interesting options. The poached eggs with Chorizo and yoghurt are not to be missed as is the cornbread French toast. If you're going for brunch – try something you wouldn't normally eat. You will be pleasantly surprised. And of course make sure you have a coffee – it is seriously good.

    All day menu – I love the small plates it is a perfect way to dine with a casual group for lunch or dinner and easy to share. And the charming Kiwi Maître D knows his food and wine so he will help you with all your choices.

    Definitely my favourites are the cornbread, oxtail and polenta, soft shell crab, salt beef fritters, asparagus and pork buns (yum!).

    Again it's that balance thing again… All the staff are super friendly, without being too cheesy or overfamiliar. They are knowledgeable of the menu and professional. It suits the atmosphere. The outside communal seating is brilliant too!

    The wine list is comprehensive and dangerous (for all the good reasons!)

    Only downer? My travel to get there…I wish I lived closer. Oh and I never seem to hear any music (probably because I am enjoying myself too much to notice…)

    This is a refreshing welcome to London. Nick Jones take note.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 8
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  8. James J.
    Silver Reviewer

    James J. ( 50s, Male, United Kingdom )

    May 2010
    Editor's pick

    There was a worrying time – heralded by the departure of The Guardian and seemingly personified by the closure of Brindisa – that Exmouth Market's stature as a foodie heaven was waning. But that wasn't the case – a Japanese café, a better-then-average Indian and (around the corner) a carnivore's dream Argentinian joint have confirmed Clerkenwell's gastronomic credentials. And now Caravan adds considerable lustre to an already impressive crown. In some ways it throws down a gauntlet to the diva of Exmouth Market, Moro, offering a Peter Gordon-esque approach to fusion cuisine. The position is good (replacing a never-quite-made-it series of bars), the atmosphere lively, the decor minimalist but warm and the service charming, relaxed and friendly. The tasting plate of humous, falafel, baba ganoosh, cheese, some intriguingly orange-flavoured carrots and flat-bread is a nod Moro-wards, though the mains as yet are fairly fusion-less (an excellent stew of pork belly and beans, topped off with some jaw-shattering crackling or a succulent veal schnitzel – a far cry, thank goodness, from the Austrian original's resemblance to deep-fried chamois leather). But it's the puds that betray the Providores/Sugar Club heritage – a quite stunning orange flower-water flavoured blanc mange with a dreamy guava sorbet and lifted with a sprinkling of crunchy toasted nuts: pure heaven. The equally imaginative trio of coconut rice, caramel bananas and tamarind ice-cream would have benefitted from a different presentation – the very sweet, gorgeously banana-y bottom layer (the whole thing comes in a Duralit water tumbler) is too far down easily to combine with the richly textured rice and the deliciously sour, though pungent tamarind. Ideally they need to be tasted together for maximum effect. Maybe served side by side on a plate would allow for more blending of flavours. A short wine list climbs quite quickly into the £30+ league but is well chosen. Two cocktails, two courses, a bottle of Rioja and service came to a few pounds under £100 – excellent value and a steal compared with Moro… A really treasurable new addition to Clerkenwell's gastro street.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 9
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  9. Andrew M.
    Reviews: 1

    Andrew M. ( 30s, Male )

    April 2010

    I've visited Caravan a number of times over the last month and each time it has impressed. Everything is good, but the service is particularly excellent with knowledgeable, friendly staff always about. The place has had a lot of press regarding its brunch and coffee, which are excellent, but for me it's best in the evenings. They have a very interesting wine list and the menu has plenty of options of choose from – there are smaller options as well as main size dishes. I had a whole gilt-head bream with salsa verde the other night – divine. Despite one cold dish, which was quickly replaced, everything has been great. The room is simply but tastefully decorated. Tables are quite small but I can understand why given that prices are very reasonable. Outside seating in summer will no doubt be a hit.

    Highlty recommended, and a great addition to Exmouth Market.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 10
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
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Essential Details for Caravan

Location of Caravan

Customer Reviews

Been to this restaurant? Write a comment

Write Your Review
  • 1Win fab prizes with free monthly prize draws!
  • 2See your views in print.
  • 3Collect your thoughts in one place.
  • 4Be rewarded with an Editor's Pick.
  • 5Rate restaurants and share your views.

Showing 5 of 9 Reviews

View all Caravan reviews

  1. Angelina G.
    Reviews: 1

    Angelina G. ( Female )

    29 August 2011

    This place rocks. Great food and service at good prices.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 8
    Was it helpful to you?
     
  2. Martin H.
    Reviews: 1

    Martin H. ( 40s, Male, United Kingdom )

    7 August 2011

    Saw the ques expected so much I thought I'm going to have a great brunch!
    I was so wrong the bubble ‘n’ squeak tasted sour as if it was made with kimchi, scrambled eggs were bad and the bacon tasted of nothing. Worst of all the flat white tasted of tepid milk.

    Wasd at St.Ali the other week it was oh so much better… More

    • Overall: 1
    • Food & Drink: 1
    • Service: 2
    • Atmosphere: 1
    • Value: 1
    Was it helpful to you?
     
  3. Laura G.
    Reviews: 1

    Laura G. ( 30s, Female, Spain )

    30 March 2011

    Overall it's not been a good experience. Minuscule portions at extrordinary prices. We live very near and have been there about 5 times. Food is tasty although really greasy. We're not coming back after having paid 7 pounds for a single toast of coconut bread. We checked the bill and complaint. The waittress' answer was… More

    • Overall: 1
    • Food & Drink: 3
    • Service: 1
    • Atmosphere: 6
    • Value: 1
    Was it helpful to you?
     
  4. Ms. Macaroon
    Silver Reviewer

    Ms. Macaroon ( 30s, Female, London )

    November 2010

    Visited on a Sunday lunchtime as sadly Morito was closed (note to self, must start checking Sunday opening hours!).

    Disappointed that Caravan only offer a brunch menu during the day at weekends, which was distinctly underwhelming. A miniscule portion of poached eggs, bubble & squeak & baked ham arrived on a stone cold… More

    • Overall: 6
    • Food & Drink: 6
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 5
    0 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  5. Sim T

    Sim T ( 40s, Male )

    September 2010

    Birlliant – love this place and go there repeatedly.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 8
    Was it helpful to you?
     
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