You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Eating Out<br />
Hackney native and professional chef Aidan Brooks<br />
launches Eleven98 - pop-up dining with a difference<br />
I recently had the pleasure of attending the press launch for Eleven98, in a lovely flat in Homerton, along<br />
with seven others. The evening began with a quirky, refreshing cocktail, and continued on with what can<br />
only be described as a unique – and delicious, nine-course tasting menu, complemented throughout by<br />
distinctive drinks pairings.<br />
Similar to supper clubs, some of Eleven98's events are held in<br />
people’s homes, while others are held in established eateries such as<br />
their recent pop-up at the Well Street Kitchen. Each experience is<br />
different, providing interesting and unusual food combinations and<br />
menus are driven by what's in season.<br />
What makes Eleven98 truly unique is that ingredients are sourced<br />
almost exclusively in Hackney from independent, organic shops<br />
and urban agricultural growers, including Growing Communities in<br />
Stoke Newington and St Mary’s Secret Garden in Haggerston. Aidan<br />
also forages in the borough and his recently renovated garden is an<br />
additional source. His ethos of<br />
sustainability comes full circle<br />
with any food waste donated<br />
to his next-door neighbour’s<br />
wormery, which converts it to<br />
compost.<br />
Images: TOP: Aidan Brooks, BOTTOM LEFT and RIGHT: John Sargent<br />
Eleven98 offers an experience<br />
easily comparable with any<br />
fine dining restaurant, yet at a<br />
fraction of the price, and it’s not<br />
just the food that makes this so.<br />
It’s the experience itself; original<br />
settings, a relaxed and convivial<br />
atmosphere, excellent and<br />
attentive table service with cutlery changed between each course,<br />
drinks poured and food artfully presented on a beautifully laid table.<br />
A dab of butter perched on a smooth stone next to your bread plate,<br />
fresh flowers on the table… these little details matter because they all<br />
contribute to the experience.<br />
It's fine dining Hackney style - highly recommended for an original<br />
and memorable experience.<br />
About Aidan Brooks<br />
A trained professional chef, Aidan was born and raised in Hackney<br />
and has over ten years of restaurant experience, including helping<br />
to launch Nuno Mende's famed Viajante, the East End's first ever<br />
Michelin-starred restaurant. He is passionate about good food,<br />
sustainability and, of course, Hackney. Future plans include guest<br />
chef residencies and collaborations with friends old and new.<br />
COST<br />
A very reasonable £55 per person<br />
includes a bespoke, multi-course<br />
menu with drinks throughout.<br />
TO FIND OUT MORE<br />
eleven98hackney.com<br />
@eleven98hackney<br />
@eleven98hackney<br />
@eleven98hackney<br />
GET IN TOUCH<br />
aidan@eleven98hackney.com<br />
07538 046 604<br />
Eleven98 donates a portion of its<br />
profits to three local charities:<br />
Hackney Foodbank, St Joseph's<br />
Hospice and ecoACTIVE.<br />
LOVEEAST AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2018 27
Change language