The Brush East London Grand Café takes inspiration from Europe’s grand cafés and brings it to East London.
Located on the ground floor of art’otel London Hoxton, this all-day dining mixes brasserie with cocktail bar, art gallery and a screening room.
Executive chef Ryan Matheson delivers a modern European menu which celebrates East London’s rich culinary history and culture.
Plates such as the salt beef scotch egg with truffle parmesan; and butternut squash curry, are nods to the neighbouring Brick Lane bagel shops and curry houses; the Atlantic halibut and Frites, is inspired by Bow’s first fish and chip shop in the 1860s; and the full English salad honours the area’s historic caffs.
Other options on the menu focus on classic European dishes with a twist, including beef tartare on sourdough topped with confit egg; moules-frites doused in chilli, lemon and thyme; and Weiner schnitzel accompanied with a cucumber and dill salad and parsley potatoes.
From the Josper charcoal grill, there’s Charolais rib-eye; a signature Brush burger with bacon, cheddar and bone marrow relish; plus, wood-fired Flatbreads with Mediterranean toppings like anchovies, bottarga; asparagus and mushrooms.
The Brush also offers a lunch deal. featuring a soup and a sandwich for £13, such as French onion laden with gruyere and croute paired with a half Croque Monsieur or half salt beef sandwich.
Guests can also enjoy its Saturday DJ Brunch, with a menu of classic and creative brunch dishes including Coconut & Berry Pancakes; Goldstein Salmon and Scrambled Eggs and Bratwurst served with mustard, pickle, chilli jam and fried egg, best enjoyed against a backdrop of laidback beats.
For a brunch bargain, guests can opt for the Brunch Set Menu, available every Saturday between 12pm to 4pm, with two courses and a cocktail for £25.
On Sundays, The Brush serves the ultimate Sunday lunch with dedicated Bloody Mary menu from 12pm to 4pm – expect the likes of Roast Striploin of Beef and Half Roast Corn-Fed Chicken, all served with trimmings of Yorkshire pudding, crispy roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese and roast carrots.
Upstairs, The Brush Lounge and Cocktail Bar is where daytime meetings morph into lively evening affairs. Boasting a bold cocktail menu created by Group Bar Manager, Alessandro Mannello, guests can experience a cocktails such as the zingy and floral A Sour, Please, with Plymouth Gin, assam tea, bergamot and citrus; the clear, smooth E2 Punch of Macerated Hoxton Banana Rum, toasted oat, orgeat and Cointreau; or the sweet and nutty Bourbon & Croissant with Bulleit Bourbon, hazelnut, cocoa, croissant and aromatic bitters.
Non-alcoholic options include the Dirty D, with Feragaia, spiced ginger, orgeat, lemon verbena and pink peppercorn; and the sweet and sour Citrus Touch featuring Pentire Coastal Spritz, citrus sherbet, peach and topped with lemon sorbet foam.
A wine list featuring still and sparkling wines from across the globe is also available, alongside an extensive range of beers, spirits and soft drinks.
The Brush boasts a coveted collection of artworks across the restaurant and bar. From two bespoke 40-metre murals from local street artist D*Face through to two Banksy artworks that welcome guests to the restaurant via the hotel entrance, The Brush is brimming with beautiful pieces.
Beyond the restaurant and bar, The Brush also caters to art and culture lovers.
A 60-seat private auditorium plays host to film screenings, artist talks and immersive dining experiences, while he adjacent rotating art gallery has constantly updated exhibitions.