Plenty of restaurants proclaim their commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing these days, but for the team at Nest these matters are of the utmost importance.
The restaurant is found on Hackney’s Morning Lane, on the site which used to be home to James Cochran’s Fix. The intimate dining room is a cute and cosy space, while the kitchen serves tasting menus that are dictated by the seasons, designed by chef Johnnie Crowe, who previously worked at Anglo and Michelin-starred The Harwood Arms. As part of an effort to reduce waste, there is only ever one type of meat being showcased in the kitchen, and the ingredients used at Nest are carefully sourced from some of the UK’s top producers.
When it comes to eating here, guests can choose to dine from the à la carte or a set menu. Although the dishes change with the seasons, plates you might find on your visit include the likes of cod’s roe with seaweed, Scottish scallops, and beef with fermented pepper. To finish up, there are sweet treats such as honey and lavender tart, while those of a savoury disposition can indulge with a selection of British cheeses, served with beer-pickled prunes and homemade oatcakes.
When it comes to the drinks, the wine list at Nest has a strong focus on low-intervention production methods, while there are also beers and ciders to try which have all been carefully paired with whatever is currently on the menu.
There is the option to include a drinks pairing with your set menu on weeknights, while on Saturdays you’ll find a five-course lunch menu. As Nest is a small operation, they can’t cater to all dietary requirements, but they can make some allowances if you let them know two days in advance.