On a walk accompanied by ducks on the canal, dogs running their owners riot and the occasional ding of bike bells, we found ourselves in a new part of town and in front of a cafe we couldn't say no to. Tucked away on Chatsworth Road in Clapton, Cooper & Wolf is the perfect place to fill the quiet lull of a Saturday afternoon.
It's minimalist interior gives a good nod to shabby chic and bric-a-brac, as if we'd have it any other way, with a booty wiggle of Earth, Wind and Fire playing in the background as we stroll in. I can already tell that the food here is going to made with pride and I was right. The owner's recipes hail back to home cooked Sweedish inspired dishes made with seasonal produce.
Head to till and get ready to dribble over the cakes, I find it hard to pull myself away from displays like this, but with a nudge I was reminded that cake wasn't on the agenda.
We ordered, sat outside and eagerly waited. First up Sil & Lax, inglad sil and gravlax' pickled lovechild. Pickled herring is almost a Scandi delicacy, I can already see your nose wrinkling at the thought, and is made in-house at the cafe. Though it's much sweeter than expected and is a great accompaniment to crisp and rye bread. A little like pâté, with a deep breath in bracing yourself for the unknown flavours.
Next up, my favorite, an open sandwich of meatballs on a bed of beetroot. It wouldn't be right to go to a Scandi inspired cafe and not have meatballs. Am I right? Anyhow, the sweetness of the beetroot goes perfectly with the salad and sourness of pickled cucumbers. There seems to be a theme going on here, sweet mixed with something a little more sour acts as the base taste of most of the dishes.
A sweet lunch sets up a sweet weekend, so if you're looking for a quite space in London to people watch, eat and envy the local's style look no where else. I can't think of a better place to kick back and sip elderflower drinks.
