Cottons has opened up a new Exmouth Market Branch to build on their Camden success

Cotton on to the Caribbean

FOLLOWING their success in Chalk Farm Road, Camden, Cottons have recently opened a branch at Exmouth Market (near Farrington Tube Station).
The corner building is located at the end of this picturesque pedestrian passage (if you approach it from Farringdon Road). It has access at street level to the ground floor restaurant and bar as well as their “Rum Shack” in the basement which features live entertainment.
A different variety every evening. So whether you dance or just watch the show, you will relax and enjoy the convivial atmosphere.
I have been to the Caribbean on many occasions and Cottons score on all accounts. One does feel transported there. The ground-floor dining area overlooking Tysoe Street has two rows of tables facing each other with a bar next to it. Two large doors lead to the basement with the exhibition kitchen on the right.
There I found Nicky, the Chef in charge on the night I visited. She had everything under control, seemed well organised and it was amazing how one dish after the appeared from a relatively small area.
We sat downstairs. For dinner we had the Saltfish Fritters – the Cottons Way which was spiced with their Scotch Bonnet (Caribbean chilli sauce) served with mango chutney (£4.50) and the Jerked Pork Ribs served on a thick smoky barbecue sauce with a red onion salsa (£4.75); followed by the mixed fish curry with green peppers served with basmati rice (£12.50).
Whilst it was very good in taste, the fish had many bones so you may prefer to order the steamed Red Bream fillets. I was tempted by the curried goat – a dish rarely seen in London – but decided to have the Chump of Lamb because it was accompanied by a sweet potato and vanilla mash and I adore sweet potatoes. All four dishes were delicious in taste and the presentation was excellent.
For dessert we had the Mango and raspberry Crème brulee served with two biscuits (£4.25) and the steamed banana and ginger pudding which is typical Caribbean. It is more a cake than a pudding and combined well with the tart flavour of the balsamic cherries.
Looking discreetly at the other tables I noticed the large dishes other patrons were ordering.
Obviously they had been there before. Arike explained that these are the Mixed Vegetable, Jerk Meat or Jerk fish platters (£12.50 for one or £24 for two). I know what I will order next time I go to Cottons.
We resisted the tempting rum Cocktails and chose instead from a relatively small wine menu (Five red and six white).
The Pinot Grigio Veneto Villa Romanti at £16.30 was very good indeed. The ladies toilet has two of the nicest wash basins I have seen. Cucumber green and pink ceramic tiles — a great change from the stainless steel or glass seen everywhere in new London restaurants.

Cottons                                                              Click here to book restaurants
70 Exmouth Market, EC1R                                                 
020 7833 3332

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