Belsize Park breakfast at Tish for me

After a damning review in another newspaper, expectations were low — which can only be in Tish’s favour. The only way had to be up. And it was.

Admittedly we only ate breakfast, but Mr P, the children and I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The dining room is smart, sexy and sophisticated. Levin hasn’t scrimped on décor. Sunday morning jazz played at exactly the right level and a herd of smiling staff floated around — outnumbering guests but not getting in our faces.

All food arrived together and (mostly) hot. Challah French toast was a little lukewarm, but  as we were sharing it we fussed not.

Shakshuka — spicy and served in the now obligatory straight-from-the-stove mini frying pan — was respectable enough. Mr P’s mushroom omelette was hot, fluffy and well garnished — what more can  you say about an omelette? The little P’s happily slathered (parev) chocolate sauce from jugs all over their pancake stacks, and chunky seasonal fruit compote.

Coffees with non-dairy milk are never going to cut the mustard, and hot chocolate made with oat milk — they gave me a choice of non-dairy options — was oddly under sweetened. So much so, I permitted the children to add sugar — unheard of normally.

I’ll return to try a more testing meal, but breakfast on a quiet Sunday got a thumbs up.