Slaw

Slaw | Plant-based Islington eatery

NOTE: Slaw’s residency has now come to an end. Watch this space…

Laying down roots.

It’s easy to do on a plate.

But it’s considerably more difficult to pull off in the more symbolic sense of, you know, finding a permanent home.

But hopefully Slaw – who’ve just started a long-term residency on Islington’s Upper Street – can do just that. They’ve moved into the space formerly occupied by Rök, and they’re intending to stay there for “at least 5 months”. If things go well, maybe they’ll even lay down roots. And given the looks of things, that’s looking like a strong possibility.

The space that Rök left behind had a conveniently minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic, meaning its pale white walls and simple wooden fittings have acted as a sort of blank canvas – and Slaw have left that canvas more or less untouched, except to subtly daub on their own plant-based ethos with, well, plants, lining the shelves with pots of greenery.

The menu changes quite regularly, but always includes reasonably priced small & large plates that aim to include ‘root-to-stem’ ingredients for zero waste in the kitchen. That means you’ll find the likes of roasted & pickled carrots with hummus, a carrot top pesto and a hazelnut & rye crumb; and butternut squash & kale curry with black rice and roasted squash seeds.

Desserts go the same way, with zero-waste dishes like beetroot & apple with a maple, thyme, salt, pecan & macadamia crumble and a crispy apple skin; or a sea salt chocolate mousse with almond biscuits and a caramel sauce. Everything’s quite reasonable with nothing, small or large, over a tenner. And they’ve got a decent selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic stuff to wash it all down.

Will they end up going permanent?

You’ll be rooting for them in no time.

NOTE: Slaw has now closed here. You can keep up to date with them right HERE.

Slaw | 149 Upper Street, N1 1RA

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