Elk in the Woods

Islington’s residents out hunting for antiques flock to this postmodern lodge in quaint Camden Passage for its breakfast: perhaps a potato & pancetta skillet with baked eggs, red pepper & tomato. Sitting among neo-baroque wallpaper, vintage mirrors & antlers & skulls mounted on rough-hewn wooden walls, they’re served by staff styled to match the surrealist-chic surroundings. Though priced for plump wallets, the menu offers some truly tempting combinations – a doorstep sandwich of veal, sautéed onion, gherkin, mustard mayo & Swiss cheese, for instance; or smoked haddock fish cake with garlic & caper mayonnaise, followed by chocolate fondant with mint ice cream. The wine list maintains the off-the-wall vibe. Alternatively, choose from the concise collection of cocktails, among them such delights as Polish martini: Zubrowka vodka shaken with krupnik honey liqueur & apple juice.