The Cat and Mutton – a sign of the times

The Cat and Mutton, Broadway Market Photo: Lucy Andrew

“Broadway Market is no longer up-and-coming, it’s here, and The Cat and Mutton sets the benchmark for what every pub should be like in this area,” says Lewis Shorey, investment consultant, born and bred in Hackney, and another very satisfied customer.

Standing prominently at the top of Hackney’s revived market street, The Cat and Mutton has become quite the legendary drinking and dining institution, not just among the area’s arty types, but also with locals and characters from all walks of life.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s completely changed the area for the better,” continues Lewis.

“It’s a reflection of how this community has pulled itself together off their own back, and has built something pretty spectacular. I’m telling you, it’s the new face of Broadway Market.”

Wander past at busy times and you can be sure customers will be flooding the place,  spilling out on to the pavement, hovering around the wooden benches or perhaps lucky enough to grab a table inside.

“The place is always buzzing so it has a brilliant atmosphere,” says Danielle Macguire, hairdresser.  So what is the big draw to this once dilapidated building and why has it become the place to be?

Demurely furnished and without any grand offerings, The Cat and Mutton avoids any extravagance, but instead focuses on exposed brick, leather, and vintage wooden chairs and tables.

Towards the rear is the open kitchen where two chefs sweat, refine, and muster up some culinary delights, while the bar stands tall and welcoming with its array of standard bottles of wine, beers on draught and spirits.

Leading up a winding staircase to its first floor, an additional bar has been fitted to cope with the masses and for reinforcement when a party hires it out. And in true Broadway Market style, the pub also hosts life drawing classes upstairs on a Wednesday, as well as a quiz and the occasional comedy night.

So what about these culinary delights? John Parry, assistant manager of the pub summed it up perfectly: “We sell good food all within a great atmosphere, using seasonal and fresh produce. We never buy anything in – it’s all made here everyday by our team which means we can put up a new menu every day.”

Written on a large chalkboard at the back of the venue is the daily offerings, which can include anything from mackerel fillet with quails eggs and horseradish cream, to chicken and crayfish pie, to pan fried calves liver with pancetta and mash.

We are talking top-notch grub to suit the most demanding of foodies, all within the £8 to £15 mark. Alongside the dinner menu, there is also brunch including the usual suspects of eggs benedict and a full English among others, as well as the roasts available on a Sunday which go down an absolute treat.

Even if you just come for a drink, it’s likely you will end up salivating as you watch the dishes being taken to eagerly awaiting diners.

As a regular at the pub, Satmohan Panesar, assistant TV producer said, “It’s just the perfect combination of fresh quality produce and imaginative culinary skills, coupled with friendly and hospitable service which makes The Cat and Mutton the perfect dining experience.”

And it’s not just loyal diners declaring their love for this place. “I don’t come very often,” said Nadia Heidrich, retail manager, “but the food is amazing.” This certainly seems to be something that everyone is in agreement with.

Even the staff get excited about the place. “I actually do tend to spend time here when I’m not working,” says Jessica Morris, waitress. “I love the music, it’s really laid back, and because everyone is really into the arts, everyone brings something a little different.”

Ironically, this is something which may inadvertently put customers off since people are tiring of the arty image-conscious types who can intimidate, and want to relax and unwind without worrying what they’re wearing. Rest assured.

Although you will glimpse the odd one frequenting The Cat and Mutton who thinks they are far too cool, generally customers and staff alike are more than friendly and just want you to feel at home.

One thing that can get a little annoying are the toilets – just one plus a disabled for the girls downstairs, making queuing something you will just have to get used to. But if too few toilets is the only gripe , then what is there to worry about?

The Cat and Mutton
76 Broadway Market
E8 4QJ

More on the Cat and Mutton here.