The Yellow Bittern
Since opening in late 2024, myriad rants have been inspired by The Yellow Bittern. Largely, these haven't been about the food, but rather the pretentious-leaning lore around it. To wit; you can only book this lunchtime-only bistro by phone (or a giddily anachronistic postcard), it's expensive but cash-only, and proudly displays two portraits of Lenin. The food itself has been painted as a sort of spartan, St John-ish take on meat pies, luxe gruel and many, many stews.
I have never felt more like George Orwell seeking sustenance after a morning's grind at the typewriter
Now that the dust has settled on The Most Controversial New Restaurant in London™, it seemed time to finally check out this contentious font of day drinking, stodge and socialism. A 2pm booking on a Friday is secured (it is only open on weekdays and seatings are at 12pm or 2pm) and we step off the chaotic King's Cross end of the Cally Road into a room that's somewhere between a French village luncheonette and an interwar Lyons teashop. There are brown tiled floors, chunky wooden dressers, vases of floppy astrantias, and the interior are walls painted primrose yellow, which gives the impression that the decorator was simply decades-worth of cigarette huffing. Oh, and don't forget the communist bookshop in the basement. I have never felt more like George Orwell seeking sustenance after a morning's grind at the typewriter.
We start as we mean to go on (in 1934, essentially), with Belfastian chef Hugh Corcoran thwacking loudly away on some slab of meat or other in the teensy corner kitchen, while co-owner Frances Armstrong-Jones takes everyone's orders from the blackboard menu. First comes a Beartix Potter-esque order of sturdy wheaten bread, a brace of crisp radishes and platter of excitingly fresh asparagus. Butter comes with all three, in various states of liquidation. For a main I opt for rabbit in mustard sauce, and am delivered an enjoyably sizable hunk of bunny in gleaming, amber sauce and a mountain of creamy, just about lumpy enough mash. This is simple comfort food done well and bountifully.
There's also a handsome pot-au-feu doing the rounds, as well as an exemplary take on rustic roast chicken, and voluminous meatballs in tomato sauce (which are served, inexplicably, bobbing about without a side). Similarly, an Irish cheeseplate, delicious as it is, comes with nary a cracker. There's a tear-off board of Scampi Fries hanging next to the kitchen, and we consider asking for a bag just so we have something to smear our honking St Tola onto. An ample rum baba, however, is appropriately boozy, drowning in a robust syrup best not taken within two metres of a lit flame.
Are there moments at The Yellow Bittern which feel a touch like being in an immersive production of Cold Comfort Farm? Certainly, but we'd do it all over again for a taste of that impeccable rabbit.
The vibe A wilfully quaint lunchtime bistro - complete with bookshop.
Time Out tip Visit one of London's best pubs, the community-owned King Charles I, after your lunch - it's just around the corner and you'll get there before the crowds. Also, if you need cash (who carries cash anymore!!!), there's a Tesco just across the road with a free-to-use ATM.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island's Maura Higgins lookalike Megan Clarke reveals what she REALLY thinks about being compared to show icon ahead of new series
Love Island hopeful Megan Clarke has revealed how she really feels about being compared to show icon Maura Higgins ahead of the upcoming series. The 24-year-old musical theatre student, who will be entering the villa this year, says she's flattered by the comparison to the Irish beauty, 34. In a new interview with The Sun, Megan said: 'I love Maura - what a compliment. She's an icon. 'She is like the Queen of Ireland. So if people are comparing me to her, then cheers, love that, thank you.' Dublin-born Megan, who joins the villa on Monday, has already drawn comparisons to Maura thanks to her Irish accent and glamorous brunette looks. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She also expressed sympathy for Maura, who shot to fame on Love Island six years ago, following the reality star's infamous 'drunken kiss' with married McFly guitarist Danny Jones at a BRIT Awards afterparty earlier this year. Megan simply said: 'We've all had a drunken kiss.' Describing herself as a 'modern-day Bridget Jones,' Megan revealed she's been single for nearly three years following a rocky relationship with her university boyfriend, who she says cheated on her multiple times. The pair were 'on and off' during her first year at university, but Megan says their relationship didn't end on good terms. When asked about their relationship she revealed he cheated on her 'quite a bit' and other girls were 'none the wiser'. She also shared how her ex-boyfriend is now blocked and she hasn't spoken to him since they split. Opening up about her dating life, Megan described the last two years as 'hell and horror' claiming many men don't put in the effort these days and that there are 'so many frogs' around. However, it seems the boys in the villa might be in luck as Megan admitted she's stocked up on bikinis and sexy outfits for the Hideaway – the villa's private spot for couples to spend some alone time. That said, her mum has given her strict instructions to keep things PG, and Megan insists she plans to follow through. Currently working in telesales, Megan said she hasn't had any office romances but admits she enjoys 'a little flirt here and there' to keep work life fun – though she added nothing serious has ever come of it. Love Island confirmed the full line-up of contestants joining the upcoming series earlier this week. The ITV2 dating show returns on June 9 and there looks set to be the usual mix of love triangles, bedroom trysts and messy breakups as contestants make their way to the island. This year's crop of hopefuls include a Declan Rice body double, fire breather and Maura Higgins lookalike and Maya will once again be at the helm after joining the popular dating series in January 2023. This year, the show celebrates a decade on screens and promises to have 'more twists and turns than ever before' in honour of their 10-year anniversary. The series, which has been streamed over two billion times on ITVX, has seen over 300 Islanders pass through the villa doors over the years, including the likes of Olivia Attwood, Dani Dyer, Chris Hughes, and Molly-Mae Hague. Earlier this week, a Love Island producer also revealed that this year's contestants could come face to face with their ex-partners in the villa. Speaking to The Sun, ITV's Mike Spencer-Hayter said: 'Do you know what I always say, the cast get released and then the ex's come forward. And that's how you get the bombshells. 'They will have to go through the process, but we have already a pool of really really good bombshells lined up. There's some people in that mix that are really under the radar as well. 'The casting team have been working for quite a while now. Gone to lots of different events and been out and about looking for people and I think they've done a brilliant job. We always have those killer bombshells to come in.' It comes after Mike revealed to the Mail that the first week of the new season will see 'something big' as they 'tear up the rule book' to liven up the hit show. Last year the show had a shock entry when TOWIE favourite Joey Essex, 34, entered the villa, to very mixed results from fans. When asked if they will be getting another former reality TV star or celebrity in as a contestant this year, Mike said something else will be a surprise. 'No former Love Islanders are coming in this year,' he said. 'Something big is coming in week one though. Not another reality star like Joey Essex. 'We've got a big week one planned. It's not a celebrity, but totally new. It's even different this year the way islanders will couple up. 'You can't rest on people loving the show, we have to keep it exciting. Tear up the rule book a bit.' Love Island is set to air on June 9 over on ITV2 and ITVX.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the cheap African holiday island that feels like Mykonos and Santorini with new easyJet flights
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TRAILING vibrant pink bougainvillaea frames white-washed buildings, spilling across blue window shutters and doors. A confetti of tiny petals drifts in the breeze, dancing along the narrow, cobbled streets. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba, just off the south coast of Tunisia Credit: Getty 8 Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast Credit: Shutterstock 8 Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets are lined with shops and restaurants Credit: Getty Around every corner comes another eye-catching piece of technicolour street art. The walls and doors of the sleepy paths are a quirky, open-air gallery. The resemblance to the alleyways of Mykonos and Santorini is striking and my arty stroll ends at a small cafe under a sprawling canopy of trees in a sunlit square. But when I tell you a small cup of strong coffee here costs 25p, you'll know I am nowhere near the trendy Greek isles. The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba —which was used as a filming location for Star Wars — just off the south coast of Tunisia. And at its heart is Djerbahood, the passion project of a famous French art gallery owner who convinced some of the world's best street artists to travel to Djerba, and its inhabitants to allow their walls to be daubed. Now, more than 250 murals and sculptures have transformed the heart of the neighbourhood. Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites. Low-cost giant easyJet has launched year-round flights to the island from both London Luton and Manchester, with fares from just £115 return, and easyJet holidays has packages from just £373pp. The island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast, including our base, the 5H Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso. The resorts' vast pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas, leads down to small sand dunes and a broad stretch of sparkling white sands dotted with straw parasols. Its contemporary rooms are spacious and bright, with marble-clad bathrooms and balconies or terraces to soak up that sunshine. 8 The Sun's Lisa Minot exploring Credit: Supplied 8 The fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century Credit: Getty 8 Our base, the 5-star Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso Credit: Supplied With four restaurants, three bars and the biggest Thalasso spa on the island, you could be forgiven for not straying far. But the island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Troglodyte dwellings In the island's capital Houmt Souk on the north coast, the minarets of mosques sit alongside the St Joseph's Catholic church. Jutting out on a headland surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, the fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century. Today you can explore the impressive fortifications and admire the stunning sea views from its now thankfully peaceful ramparts. Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets lined with shops and restaurants lead on to covered souks and a spice market, as well as a rather less fragrant fish market. There's plenty of opportunities for a bit of souvenir shopping, from local handi-crafts and clothes, to Pottery Square where you can buy colourful ceramics from just £2 with a little haggling. If you're in need of sustenance after all that shopping, look no further than El Fondouk. This fabulous conversion of an 18th-century caravanserai, or travellers' inn, is open daily for morning coffees and pastries in its sun-soaked courtyard – then fresh seafood with couscous, fish curries and meaty kebabs at lunch and dinner. Prices are also excellent given the quality, with main dishes from £8 to £12. Also worth a trip out from the excellent restaurants back at the hotel was Haroun, in the nearby marina. Its outside terrace comes in the form of an actual ship's deck, complete with rigging and ropes, and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun sets. Inside, the dishes coming out of the kitchen include traditional Tunisian specialities such as brik — crispy filo pastry parcels filled with meat or fish — as well as fried calamari and fresh fish. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise. Again, prices are very competitive, with main courses from £13.50. And while Djerba has more than enough to keep a holidaymaker happy for a week, it would be a shame to come this far and not head over on to the mainland and into a galaxy far, far away. EasyJet has multiple tours you can take from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. The centuries-old causeway is essentially a bridge, and as you travel the five miles you're rewarded with stunning views of shimmering waters on both sides. As you travel through the arid desert landscapes of the mainland, huge rock formations rise dramatically from the flat plains. The rugged mountains are home to the Berber people, and at Chenini we peek into the unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the rocky hillsides and admire the palm trees and olive trees growing around the oasis by the Chenini Canyon. 8 Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars Credit: Getty 8 Fans can visit locations from smash-hit franchise Star Wars Credit: Rex Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise on the tour, including the Hotel Sidi Idriss and Ksar Hadada, an other-worldly Berber granary store that served as a key setting in The Phantom Menace. LISA MINOT
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Baby names inspired by Pride Month including one that puts inspiring spin on a classic
Every June, the world celebrates Pride Month to honour the LGBTQ+ community, but the celebrations could also inspire parents-to-be. Parents-to-be pull inspiration from a range of sources when it comes to thinking of baby names. They can look to TV, films, seasons, or even locations to name their child after something special to them. But what about an inspiring month dedicated to the fight for equal rights and honouring the LGBTQ+ community? Well, as if right on cue, June marks the 55th anniversary of the first Pride march held in the United States. Pride Month is an observation of queer culture through celebration and protest. Countless communities host Pride marches, demonstrations and parties to honour queer joy all over the world - including Scotland's major cities. For budding mothers and fathers who feel moved by the event, and want to pay homage to some iconic figures of the LGBTQ+ movement with an equally iconic name for their wee one, Nameberry has comprised a compelling list. So, if you want your bub's title to be rooted in history, read on for ten Pride-related names that could be the moniker-in-waiting for your adorable new arrival. Who knows, it might even spark an appetite for activism. Audre A self-described "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet," Audre Lorde dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. Born in New York City, Audre uplifted the most marginalised in society. Her name – a streamlined spelling of contemporary classic Audrey – boasts the fitting meaning of "noble strength". Bayard Bayard Rustin was a close friend of Martin Luther King and the chief architect of the 1963 March on Washington. He didn't become a vocal gay rights activist until the 1980s but he did testify on the behalf of a New York City queer civil liberties law, stating that gay rights had become the new barometer for social change and progress. His intriguing name comes from a French word meaning 'russet red'. A trailblazing campaigner for marriage equality, Edie Windsor fought the US federal government in a landmark 2013 lawsuit which paved the way for the legalisation of same-sex marriage across all states two years later. Edie is a cute, retro nickname that ranks just outside the Top 100 in the UK. Gilbert Gilbert Baker was an artist and LGBTQ rights activist. You might not know a lot about him but you will know of his most famous creation - the rainbow flag. The rainbow flag has become synonymous with Pride. Gilbert is a unique pick for a boy's name, but you never know, it could make a comeback very soon. Gracy Miss Major Griffin-Gracy was a long-standing advocate of transgender rights and a veteran of the Stonewall riots, which proved to be a quintessential moment for the LGBTQ+ community in the US and across the world. Gracie is the more popular spelling of the name but the -y ending feels more mature. Harvey As California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk achieved so much for for the LGBTQ community during his tenure, which was cut devastatingly short when he was assassinated just ten months after entering office. Harvey is an old school, sophisticated-sounding name which means "iron blazing" or "battle-worthy". Harvey was in the UK top 100 from 1997-2021, Nameberry reports, but it has fallen slightly in recent years. Jazz Jazz is a more contemporary pick after TV personality and trans rights campaigner Jazz Jennings. The youngest activist on this list, the 24-year-old American YouTuber and LGBT rights activist is one of the youngest publicly documented people to be identified as transgender. Jazz is a great modern-day pick for those touched by the current LGBTQ+ scene. Kahlo Frida Kahlo was a renowned Mexican painter who was was openly bisexual. Her work often explored themes of identity, gender, and sexuality. She is considered a strong LGBTQ+ figure. The Kahlo family name was found in the US between 1880 and 1920. In 2025, it would make for a fascinating artistic baby name. Intriguingly, it's more popular in the US for boys. Lili or Lilli The story of Lili Elbe, one of the earliest known recipients of gender reassignment surgery, was fictionalised in the book (then film) The Danish Girl. These -i ending forms of Lily have historically been most popular in Germany and Hungary – although we have seen a small uptick in them since the birth of Lilibet "Lili", daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Lyon Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin made history when they became the first same-sex couple to marry in California. This actually happened twice because their first marriage was voided. Lyon, who was also a lifelong activist, sadly passed away in April 2020. This surname, suggesting bravery and a sense of wildness, could make a unique alternative to 'Leo'. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
