Chocolate Concrete & Pink Custard

Cheers Big G!

2012-01-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

The last 15 months at Jacks have been fantastic, hard, but so so worthwhile. I don’t know about Alex but I wish I had of had the balls to run my own business years ago and skipped the copper bit!

Although it wouldn’t of been financially viable, we owe everything to The Big G, Alex’s Grandma, Miss Elsie Butler. Sadly the Big G passed away in November but Jacks lives on in her memory. I was lucky enough to know her for almost 3 years.

What an amazing lady. Born and bred in Lancashire, first stepping foot in to the world in Eccles, she was raised in Manchester. During WW2 she was evacuated to Blackpool to The Phillips family, she would later marry Albert Phillips the ever so handsome son, when he arrived home from war. Albert & Elsie settled in Blackpool and had 2 daughters Jean & Denise.

The thing that made me laugh about The Big G was she was so strong willed, she knew what she liked and what she didn’t like, a bit like me ;o)

Alex told me she drank like a fish, always had a litre bottle of wine in the fridge, loved a smoke, Roast Chicken and Spam baps were her staple, it became a running joke in the family.

To the Big G I just want to say THANKYOU for giving us both this opportunity, wish you were here!

Happy New Year from #TeamJacks

2012-01-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I’m sitting writing this blog entry with a glass of fizz in hand, in front of an open fire in a cottage in the heart of Suffolk. Bliss…..After last years New Years crazy shenanigans with the girls, 2 parties later and falling out of a cab and passing out… Ab Fab style may I add! We thought we would try a quiet way to bring the New Year in, I’ll try anything once!

Loading up the car …… 2 x Bottles of Champagne CHECK, 7 x Bottles of Cava CHECK (for breakfast of course!) 2 x Crates of Becks CHECK, 1 x Bottle of Gordons CHECK, A litre of Baileys CHECK, 4 x Bottles of Vintage Cidre CHECK, 1 x Bottle of Muscat Dessert Wine CHECK……Happy New Year!!

What I love about this area is, it’s a 2 hour drive from London, your in the very heart of real England, surrounded by countryside, thatched cottages and fantastic local produce. Less than a mile from the cottage are unique little kitchen ware shops, Partridges the famous local haberdashery shop where I picked up some wicked blackbird pie funnels, perfect for my Game pies. Butchers, Fruit & Veg and quirky shops in abundance. Plus a quaint little Coffee Shop called Crabtrees which serve lovely coffee and cake.

The village was thriving New Years Eve, all the jolly hockey sticks were home from University visiting Mummy & Daddy and the locals were out and about with there wicker baskets and hessian bags over flowing with groceries.

I popped in to the local butchers to pick up my favourite bacon, Suffolks finest Smoked Black Treacle Bacon, god it’s good. I walked out with ½ dozen Duck Eggs, Hadleighs Black Pudding, Pork Sausages and rushed back to cook up breakfast for Alex.

New Years Eve consisted of Jools Holland, homemade Mrs Kirkhams & Caramalised Onion Quiche, plenty of fizz and both of us puffing out Zzz’s in front of the fire. It was gorgeous.

Damn we missed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well. We both giggled at the fact we had had such a lazily indulgent New Year and decided to make the most of the New Years Day sunshine. We ventured out on a 2 hour walk following the river through Hadleigh and working off some of those mince pies!

It would have been rude to bypass the pub on the way back so we nipped in for a couple of pints of Aspalls and then linked arms and staggered back to the cottage. Fire lit and the Pork Shoulder joint in the oven for 5 hours, we settled back into the warmth with Dorothy and Wizard of Oz, we both love how camp this film is.

Alex is a cracking cook! Look what she did!

Alex New Years Day Roast Pork Shoulder, Crackling, Pear Anise Mash, Carrots, Parsnips, Kale & Lashings of Gravy! Don't miss our next Roast @ Jacks on Feb 12th ;o)

Followed by…

Apple, Pecan & Hazlenut Crumble n Custard

So that’s it for another year, best wishes for 2012 from #TeamJacks

2011-12-29T12:47:00.000-08:00

Jacks December Newsletter

Hi de Hi Festive Campers

Alex & I wanted to thank all our customers & suppliers, who have supported us during our first year of launching, making Jacks in to a local treasure.

We love East Dulwich, the location, the uniqueness and of course, our customers and are really looking forward to 2012!

Since we bought Jacks just over a year ago, we have refurbished it, put our stamp on it, created new menus, shown a new approach to customer service, had 18 Seasonal Saturday Suppers, all of which have been fully booked weeks in advance, thank you. We have also enjoyed running our monthly Sunday Roasts, Private Parties, our one off Pudding Club Night, with guest judge Edd Kimber (Winner of British Bake off first series).

The Goose Green Fete 2011 “Keep Calm & Have a Sausage Buttie” stall went down a bomb. Our infamous Stew n Dumpling Nights were launched in October 2011 and have been a big success, we will of course carry them over into the New Year! For all those tired purses and wallets we will offer for the whole of January Buy One Stew Get One Half Price & BYO! Every Weds & Thurs 5-9pm.

Best of all June 2011 we were nominated for Best Coffee House in London, shortlisted twice and voted into the Top 8 by London Lifestyle Awards, just dipping out of the Top 3. Still, a magnificent achievement for us and the team at Jacks. Then to top it Time Out gave us 5 Red Stars! WOW!

Thankyou Team Jacks & Climpson & Sons who supply our amazing coffee beans.

A big shout out to my partner Alex who made that happen, with her consistency, she really does rock that Espresso machine and creates latte art

with great flair, training all the staff and doing her best to be in Jacks as much as possible, as well as juggling a full time Job and having a Masters in Fine Art & Sculpture. Amazing lady, thank you!

We had our last Sunday Roast of the year on the 18^th December “Jacks Ultimate Crimbo Roast” and our last Saturday Supper of the year was on the 10^th December. If you haven’t been to one of our Saturday Suppers or Roasts here are a few dates which I will advertise in Jacks too.

To book call Jacks between opening hours on 0207 1839135

OR Email

blondiedicamden@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 14^th January – FULLY BOOKED

Saturday 21^st January –

Saturday 28^th January –

Saturday 4^th February –

Sunday 12^th February –

Saturday 10^th March –

Sunday 18^th March – “Mothers Day Roast”

Saturday 24^th March –

“Burns Night”

Tuesday 25^th January – Tables available

Come and celebrate Burns Night with us & BYO!

Honour what Scotland has to offer as we mark this occasion with a fun quiz & a Scottish based menu! Macsween Haggis, Neeps & Tatties

Venison Stew, Arbroath Smokie Croquettes, Whiskey Caramel Chocolate Cake to name but a few!! Menu up in Jacks!

“Valentines”

Tuesday 14^th February – Tables available

We will be offering a Tasting Menu for Valentines Day. Starting off with

Canapés on arrival. BYO Fizz…. Menu Coming soon…….BOOK NOW!

Finally, we want to wish you all a Very Merry Xmas & Prosperous New Year from all of us.

We re–open after Xmas break on Tuesday 10^th Jan.

See you in 2012

Di, Alex & #Team Jacks X

Opening times till Crimbo

2011-11-12T06:23:00.000-08:00

43 Days till Xmas yipeeeee!

Opening Times till we shut the door and wait for Santa to fall down the chimney are:

Monday CLOSED

Tuesday 8.30-5pm

Wednesday 8.30-9pm **Stew n Dumpling Night 5-9pm**

Thursday 8.30-9pm **Stew n Dumpling Night 5-9pm**

Friday 8.30-5pm

Saturday Saturday Night Suppers

Sunday Monthly Sunday Roasts

Saturday Night Suppers BYO **Booking Essential** 0207 1839135

19th Nov - 1 x Table for 2 available

3rd Dec - 1 x Table for 4 available

10th Dec - Plenty Tables available

Sunday Roasts BYO **Booking Essential** 0207 1839135

27th Nov - Plenty tables left 2/3 Sittings from 12pm

18th Dec - Plenty tables left 2/3 sittings from 12pm!

Stew n Dumpling Nights **BUY ONE STEW GET ONE HALF PRICE**

EVERY Wed & Thurs 5-9pm

BYO

Kids Menu

No need to book

Takeaway too!

PR Roxy Heart

I've got a lovely pair of dumplings!!

2011-10-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this cold weather, the windows in Jacks fog up with condensation, stew bubbling away on the stove, the coffee, the cakes baking permeating the air. Mm Mm yes i may be barmy but having great friends, our regular customers and Barista G's family over to our lovely cosy cafe, eating great food in a toasty warm atmosphere, that is Jacks, is BRILLIANT! As you know Barista G and i pride ourselves on welcoming and warm service to everyone who pops in to Jacks. So if your new to the area, get yourself wrapped up and pop in for a Hot Chocolate and a chat. Well behaved children are very very welcome.

Being northern lasses, we love home comfort food, home baked pies, stew and dumplings, crumbles, cobblers...so that's why we decided to have a mid week "cheap & cheerful"

Stew & Dumpling Nights @ Jacks

Pop to Jacks for a big bowl of Stew n Dumplings, we'll have Jacks all cosy and warm and you can BYO!
We'll have a selection of home made Stews and Dumplings on each week including a vegetarian one! Each stew comes with a dollop of Creamed Mash!

EVERY Wednesday & Thursday 5pm - 9pm from 2nd November through to Xmas

PROMOTION - WED 2nd & THURS 3rd November Buy ONE Stew & Get ONE FREE all you have to say when paying is "I have a lovely pair of dumplings!" :O)

No need to book!

BYO £3 per couple

Examples of my lovely stews!
Dexter Beef, Oxtail & Carrot Stew w/Thyme & Ale Dumplings £8.50
Free Range Chunky Chicken & Pumpkin Stew w/Chorizo Dumplings £8.50
Butternut Squash, Chickpea & Swede Stew w/Sage Dumplings £8.50
Beef & Yorkshire Ale w/Mustard Dumplings £8.50
Leek, Potato & Pearl Barley w/Blue Cheese Dumplings £8.50
....with a delicious dollop of creamed mash!

Little Ones....
Mini Stew & Dumplings £4.25
Sausage & Mash £3.50
Cheesy Beans on Toast £3.50

Sod cooking let us do the hard work!

London Riots hits East Dulwich

2011-08-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

2011-08-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Jacks Saturday Night Supper

24^th Sept 2011

Pumpkin & Pheasant Soup £7.00

Caramalised Sea Scallops, Curried Parsnip Cream, Bacon Crumble £9.00

Lop Pork & Crayfish Dumplings “Asian Flavours” £8.50

Marinated Beetroot & Goats Cheese “Turnover” Aged Balsamic £8.00

Roast Chunk of Icelandic Cod, Finney Haddock Croquette, Mussel, Leek & Saffron Stew £17.00

Braised Ox Cheek “Bourguignon” £16.00

Macaroni of Creamed Cepes, Poached Egg & Reggiano Parmesan £15.00

Wild Duck, Venison & Partridge Pie for 2 £28.00

(Please allow 35 minutes)

Lemon Tart £5.50

Manjari Chocolate “Souffle” Pancake, Jaffa Orange Icecream £9.00

Lancashire Cheese, Eccles Cake & Apple Chutney £7.00

Climpson & Sons Coffee & Hand made Truffles £3.50

Chef Proprietor Diane Brindley

Jacks Tea & Coffee House

Fully Booked

1 Table left for Saturday 8th Oct

02071839135

Jacks is on holiday!

2011-08-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Aurevoir my lovelies!!

Re - opening after the summer break on Tuesday 13th September 2011.

Until then...be good, don't forget your sun screen and if your going to neck 20 jagerbombs in 30 degrees heat remember to re hydrate yourself the following day before you start again!

X Di X Barista G X Roxy Heart PR X

Jacks Posh Supper Club Dates....AND Roast Dinners

2011-07-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

Supper Club Dates

Saturday 24th September - Fantastic Night!

Saturday 8th October - Another Fab Night!

Saturday 22nd October - Fully Booked

Saturday 12th November - Tables left *BOOK NOW*

Saturday 19th November - Tables left *BOOK NOW*

Saturday 3rd December - Tables left *BOOK NOW*

Saturday 10th December - Tables left *BOOK NOW*

Jacks Sunday Roast Dates

Sunday 27th November - Tables left *BOOK NOW*

Sunday 18th December - Tables left *BOOK NOW*

Jacks shortlisted to the Top 8 Coffee Houses in London?! ahhh HAAA!

2011-07-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine the news that London Lifestyle Awards had shortlisted Jacks Tea & Coffee House into the final 8 can only be described as absolutedly tear jerkingly fabulous WOOP WOOP!

It was back in May, early June when Barista G received a phone call in Jacks from Emily @ London Lifestyle Awards to tell us that we had been nominated for the Best Coffee House in London Award. I remember my words "Your kidding me, right?" What a rush of adrenaline through my body, it felt like i had just shot gunned a triple espresso! Wowzers!

London Lifestyle had told us that we had to sit tight and wait until the July 28th before the shortlist was announced. SIT TIGHT?? haha I was in a tizzy all afternoon after hearing the news and had resigned myself to the fact that a nomination after 7 months of trading was a great honour. We were a little fish in a big pond, i mean look at the size of London and look at all the antipodean coffee houses there are!!! Excellent ones at that!

I salute coffee houses such as Kaffeine, Fernandez and Wells, Lantana, Climpson and Sons, Prufrock to name but a few. But one thing we have in common with all of the above is we take great pride in our coffee, we have passion, skill and want to be one of the best. Barista G makes every coffee as if it were her last, so much pride, effort goes in to each one and i have to say her textured steamed milk and latte art is so good you can barely see a bubble! It makes me sing "Sometimes i feel like throwing my hands up in the air, i know i can count on you!!"

Go Team Jacks........If you want to vote for us here is the link
www.londonlifestyleawards.com/vote.php

THANKS
Di & Alex & Team Jacks

Keep Calm & Have a Buttie @ Jacks...Brunch is BACK!

2011-05-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

May!

Angela from SE22 magazines had asked us if we would like to have a stall at The Goose Green Fete. We had been in business 6 months and i was chuffed to bits i can tell ya!! Barista G and i started brain storming ...It was all to happen on Sunday 8th May. I knew it had to be a BBQ, that's what you want at a mini festival right. Big juicy Old Gloucester Spot Sausages in a soft bap, Lamb & Mint Burgers and Aberdeen Angus Burgers.....DONE!
We had a laugh designing the t-shirts and came up with our own Keep Calm slogan modelled by Ellie our Saturday girl, the camera man snapped her at the fete and Ellie appeared in the June's edition of SE22 magazine!! haha brilliant! I don't know wether a 14 year old would smile with glee at that or die with embarassment, but we loved it and Ellie's mum did too!
What a team we had on the day....first up were our little helpers, our fave boys Jude (7) Archie (3) Ellie & Kate our Saturday girls, our fab friends and Jude & Archie's mum n dad...Kel aka AgencyBelle and her gorg hubby Keef.

Come on boys, weve got snags to cook!!
Jude & Archie hide behind daddies cocktail bar!

Ellie, Kate & Alex get set up...Archie supervising!!

Kel, Alex, Di, Kate & Ellie The 'A' Team!

Jude tucks into a BBQ Buttie!

Action shot!! Don't forget your goggles next year!!!!

KEEP CALM AND HAVE A BUTTIE @ JACKS

Big shout out to Angela Burgess @ SE22 magazines, for those of us that don't know, Angela organises this yearly event voluntarily, and yet again it was a great success. Good on ya Ang. Pop in for a coffee soon :O)

So it was farewell to our Posh Suppers till October but a big HELLO to our Brunches every Saturday during the summer time!

We launched on Saturday 7th May and we were happy with the turn out! Peggy's Brekki makes an appearance on the menu with my homemade smoky baked beans, bubble, bacon, gloucester old spot, black pud, chive scrambled eggs the works! Veggies can indulge in our Go Green Brekki....24 hour slow roast tomatoes, branston bangers, homemade baked beans, lea & perrin mushrooms, bubble and eggs. Both served with Tin loaf & Butter for £7 .... as Keith Lemon would say Bang Tidy!!!!!

So that was May...... I'm off for a lie down, see you in June!
Roxy Heart, Public Relations, Jacks Tea & Coffee House

Another bank holiday - You having a bubble?

2011-05-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

Recap on April 2011
According to the locals if you booked off 3 days in April between the bank hols you got 2 weeks off....no wonder everyone buggered off on holiday. Anyway we had a few escapes, one of them to Brighton for a few days AND it just happened to be the few days that the sun was cracking the flags!
We stayed in a little hotel called The Oriental, 20 metres from the pier. The Oriental is ran by 2 girls who really push the boat out to accomodate you. The bedrooms were delicious and the breakfast beat us every morning.....homemade muesli with fresh fruit and a dollop of yoghurt and honey, THEN, yes more, a full english with the most tasty bangers and bacon cooked to perfection. Whoever that breakfast chef is deserves a rapture of applause, he certainly gave my Peggy's Breakfast a run for it's money. We had a wicked time, chilling on the beach sipping shandys and watching the volleyball.
A mention has to go to the fish n chips we had (well we were at the seaside afterall ;o)

www.bankers-restaurant.co.uk

Barista Glen said they were the best that she had ever tasted, now that is a compliment coming from a northern bird from Blackpool!!!! The Cod was the highlight for me, the batter exceptional, crisp, seasoned, tasty, not too thick not too thin, encasing this huge chunk of perfectly cooked fish. It almost made me start dancing, something i always do when i eat good food!

We love Brighton! See you soon

Back in the smoke and the month dragged a bit if i am honest, our lovely customers were making the most of getting away and to be honest i don't blame them, Lordship Lane/East Dulwich was dead!

Mothers Day Roast was a success, we had double bookings, 2 sittings!! I made a gorg Scotch Egg with my fave pig, the gloucester old spot, black pudding, dipped in panko breadcrumbs, deep fried and sliced open, the yolk still gooey ish and served with Colmans Mustard...mmm! The posh crab on toast went down well too!
I did the mother of all Roasts, and roasted off a dozen Label Anglais Chickens, served it up with all the usual suspects and lashings of gravy. My duck fat tatties came out a treat! To finish, Barista G's warm chocolate fudge pudding n clotted cream and rhubarb n apple crumble w/custard.
What our returning customers love about our Roasts and Posh Suppers is the BYO factor, they pick there menu in advance and can compliment there food with wine they have chosen themselves! Brilliant!
Our next Roast is Sunday 19th June, were taking bookings now! Menu will be up in Jacks window from tomorrow, not many tables left. We have our Art Room available from 12 till the 3pm sitting. great for a big family between 8-12!
Email me blondiedicamden@yahoo.co.uk call Jacks 0207 1839135 or pop in!

Then came the BIG DAY in April Willie and Kates wedding! Customers celebrated with us bringing there own champers and we provided the BBQ!

SO that was April ..........

It's official I am a salad dodger...

2011-05-29T05:23:00.000-07:00

Was it really Sunday 13th March i did my last blog entry? No No it can't be...Barista Glen nods and gives me that look that suggests i better crack on with an entry! Cheeky!
Long hours at work over the last 2 months have prevented me from sitting on thy bottom surfing, day dreaming, doodling and blogging. However my favourite past time at the mo is tweeting, 140 characters typed quickly whilst sitting on the porcelain god...DONE!
Exercise? Has descended to a sorry upper arm work out as the fridge doors are opened and closed opened and closed...and i am almost afraid to admit that the diet has consisted of delivery thai takeaways and crisp butties with a smidgen of butter n marmite! Not a salad in sight! Tut. I've enjoyed every minute :O)
Ahhhh but this is all to change, it is never to late to start those New Year Resolutions, starting with the blog...salad later ;o) let me grab my diary for a re-cap!

PANCAKE DAY!!!

Daisy, Arthur, Polly & Tessa

Then..... Saturday 19th March another Posh Supper Club. What a fab turn out and i was honoured that Diana Henry, The Sunday Telegraph Award Winning Columnist came with our friends and local celeb Terry Ronald, partner Mark Hammerton and the flamboyant and very gorgeous smelling Lawrence. I absolutedly loved this menu i created. It was such a fantastic atmosphere, one of my fave evenings. Here is a snippet from the menu....

Pappardelle of Rabbit Ragu, Langoustine, Braised Celery & Parmesan.
Slow cooked Duck Pasty, Champ, Fricasee' of Sweet Peas, Baby Gems & Duck Gravy.
Roast Halibut Chunk, Artichoke, Red pepper & Mussel Barigoulle
Crab Cakes.... Lemon Tart.....Cheesecake

My filleted Halibut chunks!

Posh Duck Pasty

My Crab Cakes

Cheesecake & Lemon Tart
As most of you know now Jacks Posh Suppers run beginning of October to end of March then it's summer time fun of Jack's BRUNCH every Saturday! HOWEVER bespoke dinner parties are accomodated in the mean time and i have done a few now, including a canape & beer party for SNUB 'Say NO to unwanted bags'.

SO that was March......

Peggy's Hangover Cure!

2011-03-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

As i have probably mentioned before my Nan Peggy made a wicked fry up, she did something wonderful to those eggs, they were dreamy. I used to love mopping up the runny egg yolk and lea & perrins with door steps of her home made bread and butter.
The sausages were crisp and juicy all at the same time, the bacon tasted as bacon should, washed down with copious amounts of Ben Shaws Dandelion & Burdock or Cream Soda which she used to get in by the crate for us all (well i was a scruffy northern kid ;o)
"Peggy's Hangover Cure" made an appearance on The Brunch Menu last year but since we have stopped doing brunch we have had a lot of people asking for Peggy's on the menu
(Discontinuing our Saturday Brunch was purely because of our Saturday Evenings taking off and not having enough room or hours in the day ;o/)

Peggy's is back! I have decided to put it on the breakfast menu 0830 till 11.45am every day.
I only use the best produce and my suppliers supply me with the best quality organic and free range meat/eggs etc

Peggy's Hangover Cure 7 Pounds!!
Huge Cumberland Sausage
2 x Rashers of Back Bacon
2 x Slow Roast Tomatoes
Chive Scrambled Eggs
Bubble 'n' Squeak Cake
Black Pud
Buttered Tin Loaf

All washed down with Barista Glen's espresso coffees and your on to a winner, with a full belly and a very satisfying and very naughty feeling.
Peggy we love you!

JACKS OPENING TIMES:
MON TO FRI 0830-1700 except WED 10-2 (Half day for baking!!!!)
2 X SATURDAY NIGHTS A MONTH FOR DINNER
1 X SUNDAY ROAST A MONTH

BREAKFAST SERVED 0830-11.30 MON TO FRI (WED 10-2)
LUNCH SERVED 11.30-3PM (WED 11.45-2)

COFFEE,PASTRIES, HOMEMADE CAKE & CUP CAKES,TRIPLE CHOC BROWNIES SANDWICHES,TOASTIES,FRESHLY SQUEEZED JUICES & MILKSHAKES SERVED ALL DAY!

WIN a meal for 2 on Valentines Night

2011-02-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

Pop in to see us and GUESS how many Espresso Beans are in the kilner Jar, the nearest person will WIN a meal for 2 on Monday 14th February worth £60!
We have had 72 guesses and i can honestly say it's been a scream watching everyone trying to work it out. Alex is the only one who knows the answer, purely because i would give it away with a smile ;o) or let it slip with excitement.....

We still have a few tables left on the night if you want to book 0207 1839135

“Complimentary glass of Prosecco“

………………..

Cappuccino of Cauliflower & Almond Soup

Chicory & Roast Scallop Tart, Red Pepper & Balsamic

San Danielle ham, Celeriac & Apple Remoulade, White Truffle Oil

…………………

Braised Shin of Beef, Bordeaux, Shallots, Glazed Carrots & Grain Mustard Mash

Roast Chunk of Cod, Casserole of Shetland Mussels, Saffron & Chives

Roast Potato Gnochhi, Gorgonzola Cream, Walnut & Rocket Pesto

…………………

Caramalised Apple tart tatin for 2

Willie’s 100% Chocolate Plate for 2

30 pounds per person

BYO Corkage

A reason for getting out of bed in a morning?

2011-01-30T12:46:00.000-08:00

I love remembering the days in the kitchens, the extreme hours and the need for sleep. The addiction for 10 double espresso's a day and having my red bulls lined up chilling in my pastry fridge, ready to shot gun at the first sign of lethargy and one eye shutting! Funny times.
Thank god for my friend Nora Adrenaline, always kicking in when i needed her...!
These days i drink coffee for pure indulgence and enjoyment, it gives me another reason to get out of bed in a morning, as i crave my fix of espresso by Barista G.
The month of January saw us take on a new Coffee supplier....Climpson & Sons. Tomorrow on the menu is "The Baron" .............
Monday 31st January
BREAKFAST Served All DAY
Hot Porridge, Bananas & Golden Syrup or Strawberry Drizzle £2.95
Crusty Toast, Butter & Homemade Jam, Marmite, Nutella, Peanut Butter or Marmalade £1.50
Jacks "BLT" £4.50
Free Range Cumberland Sausage or Bacon Buttie w/ HP Onions or Slow roast Plum Tomatoes £3.95
Fried Free range Eggs on Toast £2.95
Free Range Scrambled Eggs & Chives £3.95
w/ Slow Roast Tomatoes £4.50 Or Crispy Bacon £4.95 Or Moxons Smoked Salmon £6.25
LUNCH 1130-1700
Leek Potato & Chive Soup w/ Chunk of buttered Tin Loaf £3.95
Carrot & Corriander SOup w/ Chunk of buttered Tin Loaf £3.95
Salmon & Cod Fishcakes, Di's Plum Tomato & Chilli Jam, Creme Fraiche & Rocket £6.95
Free Range Cumberland Sausages, Grain Mustard Mash, Red Onion Marmalade Gravy £6.50
Smoky Bacon, Leek & Vintage Cheddar Quiche, Rocket & Mustard Dressing £5.95
Buffallo Mozzarella, Plum Tomatoes, Salami & Fennel Salad, Rocket Pesto Dressing £6.95
Warm Salad of Beetroot, Goats Cheese, Pinenut, Rocket & Balsamic £6.95
SANDWICHES AND TOASTIES TO TAKE OUT/EAT IN £3.75-£4.50
Meal Deal Offers including take away Soup with a sandwich for a pound!!
Homemade Cakes, Cup Cakes, Brownies etc
Coffee - Climpson & Sons "The Baron"

Tea - Tea Pigs

New Year....It's all about the green tea baby!

2011-01-24T03:42:00.000-08:00

We hope that you had a wonderful Xmas and New Year. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us since we opened on October 15^th 2010. The last 3 months has flown by for us and we have enjoyed launching Jacks. There was no gentle easing in period, from the moment we opened the doors we have been busy, locals have been steadily pouring in, old and new. Jacks has built up a small band of regulars who incorporate us into their daily routine, who crave a “proper coffee” (I salute you Barista G!!) alongside quality food made with quality seasonal ingredients and all in a open kitchen no bigger than a shower cubicle!

We are loving every minute!

I made a New Year resolution to keep Chocolate Concrete & Pink Custards Blog updated and today as I peered out of the window, this cold wintry morning, grey skies and rain I thought it’s a day for sticking the central heating on, making a cup of hot chocolate and updating our blog. I must find time to make my Plum Tomato Chilli Jam later!

Just to have a re cap over our last 3 months…..we have taken Jacks and turned it in to a place for people who are serious about great coffee and food. Monmouth got us off to a great start; we started introducing “guest coffees” from Has Bean and Climpson & Sons. Climpsons live on Broadway Market in the East End. Just a two-man band, they remain at the forefront of the coffee industry and recognised with a multitude of awards amongst being one of the best coffee shops in London.

Di's Victoria Sandwich and Jen’s Red Velvet Cake are definitely everyone’s favourite and for those chocolate lovers, Di’s Triple Chocolate Brownies are going down a storm.

November saw us launch our first “Sunday Roast” we turned the tables over 3 times and although we were dead on our feet we were happy and even happier when most people re booked for Jacks “Ultimate” Christmas Roast in December. We have our Roasts once a month and booking is essential…..NEXT ONE is February 27^th.

January 8^th 2011 we launched our bespoke Saturday Evening. We were fully booked in 2 days and have decided to do 2 Saturday Nights a month. February 12^th and February 19^th…..just 1 table left for the 19^th.

Menu from the Sat 8^th January

BYO

Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, White Truffle Oil

Macaroni of Hand dived Sea Scallops, Regianno Parmesan & Basil Cream

Chicory, Apple & Walnut Salad w/Bayonne ham or Blue Cheese, Beetroot & Horseradish Emulsion

Chicken Liver & Foie Gras Parfait, Red Onion Marmalade, Toasted Brioche

……………………

Roast Chunk of Cod, Casserole of Curried Mussels, Leeks & Chives

Guinea Fowl “Coq au Vin” w/ girolles, Chorizo & baby Onions

Game Pie for 2 (please allow 35 minutes)

Roast Butternut Squash & Wild Mushroom Gnocchi, Parmesan Cream & Crispy Sage

……………………..

Lemon Tart

Caramelised Apple Tart Tatin w/ Vanilla Ice cream for 2

Rich Chocolate & Espresso Pot

To BOOK call in or phone 0207 1839135

We launched our first Wednesday Evening Supper Club on Wednesday 19^th January 2011. Serving fabulous “classic old skool” dishes in keeping with the seasons.

There is no need to book and it’s BYO! Bring the family.

This year we hope to open for Brunch on Xmas Eve and Jacks “Ultimate” Roast on Xmas Day.

Roxy Heart Head of Public Relations, Jacks Tea & Coffee House

Menu Week Beginning 25th October - "Hot Pot"

2010-10-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has been in catering and experienced the rush of service will understand when i talk about it. I haven't felt that feeling for 10 years until our first week at Jacks and GOD I've missed it.
Our first week of opening was so unbelievably busy that i am still recovering.
Of course none of that could of happened without our staff all pulling together as a team. A BIG shout out to our fab staff and an even BIGGER thankyou for being patient as we all became used to our new surroundings.
So here's a look at what weve got scribbled on the board tomorrow........

BREAKFAST 0800-1130

Bircher Muesli, Vanilla Yoghurt, Blueberries & Strawberry Drizzle

£2.95

Coconut & Morello Cherry Granola, Fresh Bananas, Orange Blossom Honey & Milk

£2.95

Crusty Toast & Butter w/ Blackberry & Vanilla Jam OR Lemon Curd/Nutella/Marmite or Peanut Butter
£1.50

Croissant £1.70
WITH Butter & Jam £1.95
Pain Au Chocolat £1.95
Old Spot Sausage Buttie OR Bacon Buttie w/ HP Onions OR Slow Roast Tomatoes £3.75

Scrambled Free Range Eggs & Chives on Crunchy Sour Dough £3.95
WITH Semi Roasted Tomatoes £4.50
OR Oak Smoked Salmon £6.50
OR Crispy Free Range Bacon £4.95

LUNCH 1130-1730
Field & Wild Mushroom Soup w/ Sea Salt & Rosemary Focaccia £3.95
Caramalised Red Onion & Goats Cheese Tart w/Rocket & Balsamic £5.95
Free Range Chicken "Hot Pot" w/Fresh Peas, Butternut Squash & Pearl Barley £6.50

BUTTIES

Jacks “Classic” BLT
Cracking Egg Mayonaise
Mozzarella,Olive Paste,Slow Roast Tomatoes & Basil
Montgomery Cheddar, Pear & Saffron Chutney
Chicken, Crispy Bacon & Sweetcorn Mayonaise
Smoked Salmon, Lemon,Shallot,Chive & Black Pepper Cream Cheese

BAKED TREATS
Red Velvet Cake
Di's Chocolate Brownies
M&M Cookies
CupCakes - Rockie Road/Strawberry & Vanilla/Peanut Butter/Orange & Almond
Toasted Banana Loaf & Nutella
Chocolate Whoopie Pies

LITTLE' UNS
Cheesey Peas & Ham Pasta
Chicken & Sweetcorn Mayonaise Buttie
Scrambled Eggs on Toast
Vanilla Icecream, M&M Cookies
Alex's Homemade Lemonade
Freshly pressed Orange Juice

Where do we begin?

2010-10-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

What a great first week!!!
After 3 weeks of painting, sanding, painting, lifting, hanging, swearing, slicing my finger open on the smeg oven and almost electrocuting ones self we OPENED on Friday 15th October 2010.

Our "Mazza"
Apart from Graham (bless ya heart for sorting the electrics & worktops!!) Alex & I completed the refurb ourselves, not bad considering were 2 northern "birds" who can't tell the difference between an angle grinder and an organ grinder! I never had myself down as a DIY person but I think we both surprised ourselves.
Bring on the next project I thought, actually I take that back, as I layed in bed the night before opening, feet throbbing, back crippled all I could think about was a cheeky little beach holiday to rest my old body. The days of working 17 hour days sweating and cursing over a hot stove in kitchens are long gone, I actually wonder how I did it!
On the cold morning of the 15th we stood in the middle of Pellatt Road and stared at Jacks Tea & Coffee House. I couldn't believe it. Thank you James you have made our little dream come true.

Jacks Tea & Coffee House, 85 Pellatt Road, East Dulwich SE22

It was a brilliant feeling when all our suppliers started arriving, I was bursting with excitement at being surrounded by yummy seasonal produce and could not wait to get cooking. But first Alex & I cooked ourselves an Old Spot Sausage Butty with HP Onions.
We didn't know what to expect from our first day so completely overwhelmed when we finished the day having done 50 people. I was amazed. Our youngest customer of the day was baby Gabriel and our eldest was the lovely Mary.

SO it's cheers all round from this end

We finally got the keys to Jacks!

2010-09-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

AND the refurb begins, as i battle my way through sanding, filling and painting Jacks. We are so thrilled to be in and i am working till gone 9pm every evening. Alex fractured and dislocated her toes last week and is on crutches!! Good timing....NOT! James the previous owner popped in yesterday and he couldn't believe how big Jacks looked with the walls skimmed and white washed!!

We had a great chat and i can't wait for James to pop in for a coffee once we are open.
We have chosen the colours and going for our favourite retro look with duck egg blue and vintage white.

Today i was at Monmouth Roastery all morning. Can you imagine the smell that hits you when you walk in, the aroma of coffee beans roasting drifts down the road as you walk up to the entrance. Always a lovely greeting by the staff of Monmouth, they really have got a great family atmosphere down their!! Liv who is Monmouths Barista polished us up and went through the art and control of creating the 'ultimate' coffee! It was a joy to be making espresso not only with the best beans but machine too...La Marzocco, it's a bit like putting Brad and Angelina together, it works!!!!

Unfortunately for us we will have to wait 6 months before we can treat ourselves to a La Marzocco but in the mean time we have the Angelina (Monmouth Coffee Beans) but will have to make do with a Mickey Rourke (the old machine) no offence intended James ;o) haha! It works and produces good espresso but a bit rough round the edges!

What will Day 5 bring us tomorrow...we'll let you know!

Pink Custard

Life is like a recipe

2010-08-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

From an early age I have been fascinated by food. My grandmother Peggy was a great cook. She spent hours with me teaching me the art of cooking. She always used to say to me that anything could be achieved through sheer hard graft. That life is like a recipe ‘hard work with a dash of willpower and a sprinkle of good luck’. I found that this has got me a long way in my life. At the age of 10 I cooked my first Yorkshire pudding, it was a huge success and so I began on my journey with food. That journey took me through catering college, down to London through the kitchens of Marco Pierre White and Jean Christophe Novelli amongst others. That was 10 years ago. As I embark on my first business venture with my business partner Alex and get ready for the opening of Jack’s Tea & Coffee House, I feel like I am home again. Will we pull it off? Watch this space!