Crispin

International, Modern European, Spanish, Steak, Tapas, Vegan, Vegetarian·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Crispin

Silver Award

You can hardly miss Crispin’s jaunty angular pagoda should you wander down to the end of Artillery Lane as you explore the surrounds of Spitalfields Market. From a distance this seems more likely to be home to a post-modern art exhibition, but inside, head chef Lewis de Haas and team are creating artful plates instead.

Inside Crispin is equally unconventional - a room stuffed with obtuse and acute angles that, though quite pleasing on the eye, make some tables rather preferable to others. Plenty of foliage provides a nice pop of green to offset the otherwise clean minimalism of the dining room itself, and the surrounding glass means that the restaurant is lovely and bright at all times, as are the staff. In summer, a glorious outdoor terrace catches plenty of sun and is, unsurprisingly, buzzing with eaters and drinkers in sunglasses.

On the food front, Crispin seems to get steadily better and better each time we’re here. Classic menu items are as good as ever - croquettes are a staple on modern British menus these days but Crispin’s Cheddar and pickled walnut ketchup version takes some beating. Likewise, plump mussels in shells come awash with a rich, spicy ‘nduja cream, pickled onion petals and gremolata - another dish that shows lovely balance without going overboard. It slips down easily with a crystal clear orange wine Margarita.

Everything is fresh, thoughtful and measured, taking peak seasonal ingredients and presenting them in arrangements that are just as delicious as they are aesthetically pleasing. Wild garlic tagliatelle with mushroom and asparagus is a lovely bit of cooking, a nest of bouncy pasta, swaddled in starchy sauce and vegetables. Even the white chocolate panna cotta with pistachio and rhubarb, which could so easily be too much at the end of a meal, is perfectly set and gently balanced between sweet and tart. There is the odd dish that feels like it’s still evolving, but this is the nature of hyper-seasonal cooking sometimes, and Crispin’s highs far outweigh any more middling dishes. When the sun is belting down, there’s nowhere we’d rather be than on that terrace with a glass of cool white wine and a couple of croquettes.

Good to know

Spend SquareMeal Smart Vouchers
Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
International, Modern European, Spanish, Steak, Tapas, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ambience
Cool, Cosy, Glamorous, Lively, Romantic
Awards
SquareMeal London Top 100
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating, Terrace
Special Features
Counter dining, Dog friendly, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Crispin is an all-day restaurant and wine bar in Spitalfields serving seasonal, ingredient-focused small plates alongside an extensive low-intervention wine list. The restaurant is housed inside a unique angular glass and zinc pavilion, not far from the famous Spitalfields market and only a short stroll away from the bright lights of the City and Shoreditch. Inside, there is seating for 40 guests, plus an extra 20 on the outdoor terrace – perfect for any occasion.

At lunch and dinner guests can choose from a concise menu of snacks and small plates, which all maintain a broad modern British vibe. Head chef Lewis de Haas (previously Petersham Nurseries and The Shed) oversees a menu that focuses on great seasonal produce, presented in a signature pared-back style. While the team goes to great lengths to find quality ingredients from trusted suppliers - all the bread comes from the Dusty Knuckle in Dalston, for example, dayboat fish comes via The Sea, and fruit and veg comes from small-scale independents via Natoora and Shrub Provisions.

Dishes on the menu at the time of writing include Welsh Rarebit with anchovies and chives, burrata with oregano and artichoke, and bavette with parsnip puree, kale and horseradish, with desserts such as brown butter cake with plum and crème fraiche, and poached clementines with yoghurt and pistachio. 

Wine plays a large part in Crispin's offering too. Head sommelier Alex Price curates a wine list that focuses largely on low-intervention European wines, and the list rotates regularly to bring in new talent and great new bottles. 

Crispin has a booming private catering business on the go as well - the team is available to hire for private bespoke events of up to 200 guests, and brings its signature offering of low-intervention wines and pared-back, ingredient-focused small plates to a range of private and corporate events.

Menu Highlights

Starters
Pickled Winter vegetables - £5.00
Dusty Knuckle bread, brown butter - £4.50
Cobble Lane saucisson, cornichons - £5.00
Gorgonzola croquette, pickled walnut ketchup - £2.50
Fried Cornish mids, three-cornered leek mayo - £6.50
Welsh rarebit, anchovy, chives - £10.00
Main Courses
Roasted squash, chickpeas & tomato, yoghurt & sumac - £15.00
Squid ink tagliatelle, Portland crab, chilli, agretti - £17.00
Hake, salsify, olives & tomato, chard & parsley - £24.00
Duck leg, golden beetroot, greens, blood orange jam - £15.00

FAQs

Does the restaurant offer a catering service?

Yes, you can find out more via the website.

Helpful? 0

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, it is strongly recommended.

Helpful? 0

What is the nearest station?

The closest station is Liverpool Street.

Helpful? 0
Meet the team
Crispin

Lewis de Haas

Head chef

Lewis first fell in love with cooking from watching his mother and grandfather in the kitchen while growing up in Dorset. He got his first job working in a local café as a pot wash, before going on to study at Weymouth catering college. Travelling to London to pursue his dream of becoming a professional chef, he started working at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, under the tutelage of Mark Hix for his first London chef gig. Over the years, he’s worked at prestigious names such as Le Caprice in St. James, Petersham Nurseries, La Goccia, Copenhagen’s Amass and The Shed. Lewis took on the role of head Chef at Crispin in Spitalfields post-pandemic, where he remains two years later.

Crispin

Alexandra Price

Head of Wine

Born in Northumberland, Alex spent her early life in pursuit of the Art world, attending Manchester University to complete a degree in History of Art. However, a growing side passion for wine led her to the historic Annabel's cellar, where she joined the buying team for the Birley clubs and Caprice Holdings. Following Annabel's, she moved to Burgundy specialist Domaine Direct to do a combined role of events and private client sales.

In 2019 she started a new role at Beaverbrook Members Club where she made the move to full time Front of House, serving as Sommelier and Assistant Manager of the Garden House, alongside hosting the occasional wine tasting event at the AllBright members club. Post lockdown, she helped open Bar Crispin as Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier, writing the extensive list of around 150 natural wines. She now oversees the wine department for the Crispin Group as Head of Wine.


This venue also offers

Crispin
Private Group Dining

Crispin

Crispin
Event Party Venue

Crispin

Location

Pavilion on the Corner, White’s Row, Spitalfields, London, E1 7NF

020 7247 1173 020 7247 1173

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-14:30
Tue 12:00-14:30
Wed 12:00-14:30
Thu 12:00-14:30
Fri 12:00-14:30
Sat 12:00-14:30
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon 18:00-22:00
Tue 18:00-22:00
Wed 18:00-22:00
Thu 18:00-22:00
Fri 18:00-22:00
Sat 18:00-22:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

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3 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Emma L

02 June 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Josselin S

08 April 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 3.5
Great place !

Everything was very good ?

Anon

24 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Crispin is always top notch. However they change their menu, all dishes are spectacular. Their staff is amazingly friendly, and for me, their location is among the most stylish yet very calming (inclined to say peaceful!) in London. 

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