Tasting Britain
TastingBritain.co.uk - Brew, Putney, London
Tasting Britain got invited to take a look at the fourth and largest of the Brew cafes, based in lovely Putney. Like all of the other UK âBrewsâ, itâs based in South West London. I think this one is the latest, opening in November 2014. Famous for brunch, things cooked in clay ovens, and an Australian take on eating out, Brew is the brainchild of Melbourne born chef Jason Wells. Like a true Australian, Jason is big into terraces and BBQs (no matter what the weather is doing). Youâll notice this quite quickly when you get a look at how Brew is laid out. You enter via a sheltered outside terrace built with reclaimed timber and full of greenery (and blankets). Aesthetically, the approach is casual dining - as is the atmosphere, the mainly Australian staff were very laid back (contrary to some of the things I have read other people post online!). It feels more like a cafe than a restaurant really (not that this is a bad thing), and the prices are a little steep for the area. Itâs also pretty out of the way on lower Richmond Road - about halfway between Barnes and Putney and quite distant from the energy and atmosphere of Putney High Street.
Anyhow, Jasonâs first trade was as a (master) butcher, and so (perhaps in tribute to this) in Brew youâll find a little area called âthe Butcherâs Shopâ - along with a dry ageing fridge full of carcasses. I am told that here you can get a steak cut to size (but not to take home). Baking is done onsite at Brewâs patisserie (a clay oven for bread) and they also offer unplugged live music on the weekends (Iâm not sure where, I assume in the terrace somewhere). Their pizza menu is pretty intriguing, offering a range of wood fired options, including dessert pizzas (Nutella pizza anyone?). That said, these are a more restrained, Italian/thin crust style of pizza - not the more âgenerousâ style Australians are perhaps better known for. Asides from pizza, the menu has a pretty large breakfast and brunch offering - and they also offer daily specials. Before setting up Brew in the UK, Jason travelled and cooked in a lot of different places, and Iâm told that the menu is influenced quite strongly by the foods of Israel and New York (Israeli food? thatâs one Iâve not seen yet!). And, talking of international food, youâll find Brew in Australia and the US as well.
Other stuff to note? Breakfast served as you lounge on âBedouin-inspiredâ double beds on the terrace, and a 150 year old olive tree (and no, I have no idea how they got it in there). Also vegemite jars hidden in various strategic places (i.e embedded in the floor, lol). Also a glass walled area called âBrew HQâ full of flour and ingredients in large bags. It looks cool but Iâm not quite sure what it does. I think it could be their office?
TastingBritain.co.uk - Brew, Putney, London
Tasting Britain got invited to take a look at the fourth and largest of the Brew cafes, based in lovely Putney. Like all of the other UK âBrewsâ, itâs based in South West London. I think this one is the latest, opening in November 2014. Famous for brunch, things cooked in clay ovens, and an Australian take on eating out, Brew is the brainchild of Melbourne born chef Jason Wells. Like a true Australian, Jason is big into terraces and BBQs (no matter what the weather is doing). Youâll notice this quite quickly when you get a look at how Brew is laid out. You enter via a sheltered outside terrace built with reclaimed timber and full of greenery (and blankets). Aesthetically, the approach is casual dining - as is the atmosphere, the mainly Australian staff were very laid back (contrary to some of the things I have read other people post online!). It feels more like a cafe than a restaurant really (not that this is a bad thing), and the prices are a little steep for the area. Itâs also pretty out of the way on lower Richmond Road - about halfway between Barnes and Putney and quite distant from the energy and atmosphere of Putney High Street.
Anyhow, Jasonâs first trade was as a (master) butcher, and so (perhaps in tribute to this) in Brew youâll find a little area called âthe Butcherâs Shopâ - along with a dry ageing fridge full of carcasses. I am told that here you can get a steak cut to size (but not to take home). Baking is done onsite at Brewâs patisserie (a clay oven for bread) and they also offer unplugged live music on the weekends (Iâm not sure where, I assume in the terrace somewhere). Their pizza menu is pretty intriguing, offering a range of wood fired options, including dessert pizzas (Nutella pizza anyone?). That said, these are a more restrained, Italian/thin crust style of pizza - not the more âgenerousâ style Australians are perhaps better known for. Asides from pizza, the menu has a pretty large breakfast and brunch offering - and they also offer daily specials. Before setting up Brew in the UK, Jason travelled and cooked in a lot of different places, and Iâm told that the menu is influenced quite strongly by the foods of Israel and New York (Israeli food? thatâs one Iâve not seen yet!). And, talking of international food, youâll find Brew in Australia and the US as well.
Other stuff to note? Breakfast served as you lounge on âBedouin-inspiredâ double beds on the terrace, and a 150 year old olive tree (and no, I have no idea how they got it in there). Also vegemite jars hidden in various strategic places (i.e embedded in the floor, lol). Also a glass walled area called âBrew HQâ full of flour and ingredients in large bags. It looks cool but Iâm not quite sure what it does. I think it could be their office?