Last Updated on December 24, 2022
All-day neighborhood cafes, bars and restaurants
Morty & Bob’s is located in Kensal Rise in North West London. This is an area that has become increasingly trendy over the last ten years thanks to the numerous independent shops, cafes and bars that give it a truly country feel. Now, on College Road, in a cafe frequented by the hit Netflix series Motherland, there’s a new kid on the block in the form of Morty & Bob’s, an all-day dining restaurant, cafe and bar. Located next to a trendy lifestyle store, a health food store, and across the street from the Island Pub, this is the ideal base for this one-stop, eco-friendly foodie destination.
Morty & Bob’s is a family owned business headed by owner and restaurateur Charlie Phillips who lives in the area. It was named after his grandfathers Bob, a fruit and vegetable buyer at the Old Spitalfields Market, and Morty, who owned a restaurant in downtown Montreal. Charlie originally launched a street food stall in the East London Netil Market. The brand then toured the UK music festival circuit and ran a series of pop-ups then went on to establish Morty & Bob restaurants at Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross, Westfield Shepherd’s Bush and now at Kensal Rise.
On the night of our visit, the restaurant had only been open for three days but was already buzzing with a crowd eager to know what was in store for them at their exciting new neighborhood spot. I caught up with Charles, who as a local understands what the area needs and is excited about his newest venture. Morty and Bob’s provides a casual all-day hub serving everything from morning coffee from Allpress and all-day lunch to dinner and cocktails.
The decor is simple and stylish, with whitewashed walls, wooden benches, black-covered tables and antique wooden dining chairs, with a prominent white-tiled bar in the center and an open kitchen. In warmer months, you can look forward to dining on one of the two outdoor, covered, heated terraces.
The menu consists of fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and American-influenced dishes. For breakfast, there are classic smoked salmon, chive and cream cheese bagels, Confit Duck Hash and Brunch Buns filled with bacon and soft scrambled eggs with parmesan, chives and harissa. Lighter lunch options include the Grain Bowl with grilled vegetables, houmous beetroot, avocado, cashew and chili oil.
However, we came for dinner… We started with some crafted cocktails, my classic Negroni had a nice kick to it. My friend’s Picante- el jimador was a sublime combo of tequila, fresh lime, agave and Cointreau garnished with fresh chilies. They also serve soft drinks and mocktails as well as a range of local options such as Camden Brewery beers and ales as well as fine wines and champagnes.
We started with really crunchy croquettes with a soft center filled with cream of mushroom and cheese, served with a cool fresh mint yoghurt, and some delicious Pigs in Blankets – bacon-wrapped pork sausage topped with sweet and gooey maple and whole grain mustard glaze.
For the main course, my vegetarian friend enjoyed her Mufalde Pasta, served in a rich and rich Pomodoro sauce with eggplant, salted olives and crispy kale. However, it is the only vegetable option on the main menu.
My schnitzel was delicious – thick, juicy free-range chicken breast covered in crunchy breadcrumbs, bathed in a glistening burnt butter sauce, topped with spicy dill pickles and capers topped with some beautifully poached chicory. Alongside some tenderstem broccoli, a house salad and, because it’s Christmas, some indulgent Parmesan and truffle fries with a strong aioli.
Other options include Bob’s burger & fries, made of aged chuck and rib patty, Emmental’s burger sauce and slow-cooked onions in a brioche bun; Steak & Eggs with French fries and chimichurri and salmon fillet with warm beluga lentils, peas and dill. We accompanied our meal with Soñadora Airén / Verdejo 2019 organic Spanish white wine, fresh and dry with a touch of exotic fruits.
Puddings are also served, counter cakes, tempting warm choc chip cookies and ice cream or fresh donuts with homemade Nutella, we shared a bowl of Hackney gelato which hit that sweet spot and was the perfect end to our meal.
Morty & Bob’s is sure to be a hit with Kensal Risers, it’s great for solo diners, groups of friends or for the whole family, providing a friendly home-from-home hangout that offers everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails and soft drinks. and healthy dishes to inviting comfort food.
Delicious and affordable lunch combos for lunch, including half of the famous Grilled Cheese or weekly special sandwiches, alongside a choice of soup of the week or seasonal salad for just £10
Morty & Bob’s
Kensul Rise 118 College Road London NW10 5HD
(www.mortyandbobs.com)
