Covent Garden has its fair share of cool restaurants, but for all day breakfast, brunching, lunching and evening dining, the new Caravan Covent Garden ticks all the boxes when it comes to healthy fresh food and global flavours.
Caravan’s 8th opening on Drury Lane in a former Grade II listed grain store is a must-visit for world influenced cuisine, killer cocktails and beautifully brewed coffee. From their humble beginnings at Exmouth Market back in 2010, Caravan has grown into a brand synonymous with relaxed dining, healthy delicious food and chilled out vibes.
Paying homage to its roots, the new restaurant is paired back with exposed unfinished brick walls, an industrial style ceiling with the pipework on show, a neutral colour palette and Scandi chic furnishings which blend old and new. The great big space is flooded in beautiful natural light from its massive windows and staff are casual, friendly and full of brilliant recommendations on what to select from the menu.
We start with cocktails which are made over at the bar which runs almost the entire length of the restaurant on the far side. The Caravan Old Fashioned with coffee infused bourbon, coffee caramel, angostura bitters and orange bitters is an elevated twist on the classic. The Caravan Espresso Martini with vodka, caravan coffee syrup, espresso and sweet vermouth is sharp on the initial sip, with waves of sugary goodness balancing it out.
Sharer plates come layered with flavours from around the world. We loved the Garam Masala Labneh with that unmistakeable hit of the much-loved Indian spice. A fenugreek chilli butter added warmth and spiced chickpeas gave the dish texture. The flatbread itself was fluffy and light with a slight charring for that delicious smokey taste, while the side of roasted cauliflower made me instantly think ‘why can I never get my own cauli to crisp up this perfectly – even in the airfryer!’ A sprinkling of pomegranate, peppery, smokey, garlicky and a slather of tahini elevated this humble vegetable to new heights.
We didn’t go for the signature jalapeno cornbread which comes with a chipotle butter (even though lots of other tables were ordering it so we can confirm it looked awesome), instead, we finally agreed on a gorgeous fresh smoked salmon salad with colourful radicchio. The smoked salmon flaked apart and the peppery sharp flavour of the salad was a great combo. Our mains – a sort of fancy onion bhaji with a smooth yoghurt and a hit of spice was incredible. Again with all those Indian flavours working together, you couldn’t help but load up the fork with as much as possible! Even though bhajis are fried, this was just so light and healthy tasting! Our second main, although we shared both, was almost a posh fish and chips with beautifully white chunky cod, crispy side up and delightful new potatoes underneath, soft enough to soak up all the flavour.
It seems the owners of Caravan have hit two massive food trends with a double whammy – combining fresh healthy super foods and ingredients, with big, global flavours. This gorgeous Covent Garden eatery should definitely be right near the top of your London list of best restaurants.
