Cornerstone Hackney

On hearing that Chef Tom Brown was looking for a venue to set up his own restaurant I was very excited to find out where that would be. Then when we heard that it would be in Hackney Wick I was at first a bit surprised but secondly very happy as it wasn’t too far away. In fact it’s in a great location just one stop from Stratford in an area that is quickly being redeveloped which should be great for the restaurant. Being very keen to visit knowing his background as Head Chef for Nathan Outlaw and also seeing him on Great British Menu we decided on Saturday to do just that. We got on a train at Romford then just 20 minutes later we’re walking out of Hackney Wick station where you immediately see all the redevelopment taking place. Then just a very short walk from the station you arrive at Cornerstone which is set in a quirky little area. As you enter the restaurant there’s a nice relaxed & casual atmosphere. We were greeted by one of the staff who were all very friendly throughout our visit. We started with a drink at the bar and it was from there you got a great view of the big open kitchen in front of you with the tables set out at the front and down each side of the kitchen. We were then seated at the side in fact right where Tom was himself which was great and gave you an insight to seeing a chef run his restaurant close up. We was then given the menu and as we expected it was mainly fish in fact nine of the twelve courses which are all sharing plates. Our waiter went through the menu options to help us decide but we just looked at him and said can we have everything which seem to please him so that’s exactly what we did. We started with some Sourdough Toast & Coral Butter before enjoying a fabulous Pickled Oysters with celery , horseradish & dill we then enjoyed some delightful Raw Hand Dived Scallops with Tomato before a stunning Cured Monkfish with grape , almond & sherry vinegar

Top Left – Sourdough Toast Top Right – Pickled Oysters

Bottom Left – Hand Dived Scallops Bottom Right – Cured Monkfish

The next course was a fantastic Mackerel Pate with seaweed , cucumber & homemade Rye Bread. This was then followed by a beautiful Asparagus dish with smoked cod’s roe. We then had an amazing Lamb Shoulder Kiev with anchovy , pea & mint before enjoying a fantastic Potted Shrimp Crumpet with kohlrabi , gherkin & parsley.

Top Left – Mackerel Pate. Top Right – Asparagus

Bottom Left – Lamb Shoulder Kiev. Bottom Right – Potted Shrimp Crumpet

The final four courses were some of the best fish dishes you could wish to try and we started with a amazing piece of Plaice with lobster , paprika & courgette followed by a fabulous Roast Pollock & cafe de Paris hollandaise. We then had the most fantastic Cider Braised Cuttlefish with lentil , apple & spring onion dressing before our last dish a stunning Ray Wing with a spiced aubergine purée , basil & ginger. Well it has to be said each and every dish was amazing

Top Left – Plaice. Top Right – Roast Pollock

Bottom Left – Cuttlefish. Bottom Right – Ray Wing

We chose a lovely bottle of organic wine the Macabeo 2017 with its fruity aromas of apricot , Pear & citrus fruits with floral notes that seemed to compliment the dishes quite nicely

It was then time for Cheese & desserts as we jokingly said to the waiter that we was going to have everything. There was a nice selection of five cheeses which came with a delicious Saint Kew Chutney & Sourdough Crackers. Before moving onto desserts which were also heavenly and literally a excellent way to finish. The first being a Cornish Burnt Cream with strawberry saffron & ginger. The second was a Chocolate Mousse with raspberry & pistachio bringing to an end a simply amazing lunch

Top Left – Artisan Cheese. Top Right – Crackers & Chutney

Bottom Left – Cornish Burnt Cream. Bottom Right – Chocolate Mousse

After finishing with a coffee it was time to head home but not before having a nice little chat with Tom who came across as a really nice person. He also asked us which was our favourite dish which was the hardest question of the day as they were all a delight and we couldn’t reply with just one. This was definitely some of the best fish courses I’ve had the pleasure of tasting and I’m already looking forward to a return visit. So with the food being amazing the staff so friendly and a nice atmosphere I would highly recommend paying a visit to this restaurant I honestly believe you will not be disappointed

#HackneyWick #Fish #EastLondon