I recently met a friend for lunch at the Jolene in Hornsey Road, London N7. This spacious bakery-come-restaurant, affectionately known as Big Jo, holds the same charm I remember from its Newington Green counterpart. You should pop along to Jolene if you’re looking for the best places to eat in Hornsey, small plates for lunch or dinner, bakeries and coffee shops in N7.
“Share small plates with your friends or partner at Jolene where you can sample petite pizzas to vibrant salads, lamb ragu, rhubarb sorbet, and more delectable delights,” Homegirl London.
Jolene Hornsey Road Lunch Menu
The current lunch/dinner small plates menu is on the Jolene Hornsey Road Instagram page. You can indulge in a delightful array of dishes showcasing farm-fresh ingredients with an Italian focus. Nibble on something tasty while you consider more dishes to share. Everything sounds tempting, from artisanal bread and butter to tantalising cerignola olives, giardiniera (an Italian relish of pickled vegetables in vinegar or oil), and speck (a cured, lightly smoked ham).
We selected three vegetarian options. I loved the simple yet fresh, fabulous butterhead lettuce with creme fraiche and hazelnuts. The broad beans with feta, walnuts, and mint were equally delicious, offering a refreshing balance. Other plates I had my eye on were the panelle and parmesan and asparagus with brown butter and tarragon. I couldn’t resist the tomato and mozzarella pizzetta, adorned with a sprinkle of Parmesan, which left me craving more. Vegan and veggie options are priced at £7-15.
Meat eaters will be super happy with the sausage and catalogna pizzetta, cavatelli (small pasta shells) with lamb ragu, or pork collar with purple sprouting broccoli, prunes, and walnuts. These cost £9.50-24.
Though time constraints prevented me from sampling the delectable desserts, I indulged in a heavenly blood orange Danish while catching up on some work before meeting my friend. With tempting treats like rhubarb sorbet and panna cotta with kumquat and blood orange on offer, a return visit is definitely in order.
I also noticed the passion fruit and apple crumble custard cakes at the entrance, which looked enticing.
Helpful Information About Jolene Hornsey Road
To find out more, visit the Jolene ‘Big Jo’ website. Their address is 318-326 Hornsey Road, London N7 7HE, between Finsbury Park, Hornsey and Holloway Road Stations. I travelled to Finsbury Park Station and walked along Seven Sisters Road, which took about fifteen minutes. The opening times are 8 am until 4 pm, seven days a week. They are also open from 6 pm until 10 pm on Tuesday to Saturday.
In the morning, customers enjoy coffee, croissants, and pastries while working on their laptops. They are ushered outside around 11.30 am to make room for the lunch customers. They also serve a selection of take-out sandwiches, sausage rolls, and cakes for those who don’t have the time to dine in.
The interiors are light industrial with polished concrete floors and simple décor. They have extensive outdoor seating overlooking the busy thoroughfare of Hornsey Road.
These articles of interest:
Jolene Newington Green Review
Ten Things To Do In Finsbury Park
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
