This August Farmer J, known for bringing the best of the British fields to the City with its protein- and veg-packed Fieldtrays, is opening its second home on King William Street. The new Farmer J will throw open its doors first thing for early birds, and stay open all day and into the evening for night owls, with a leisurely brunch available at weekends.
All farmers are early risers, so mornings at Farmer J will kick off with their signature Fieldtrays. With influences from the Mediterranean and further afield, guests can wake the fork up with Salt Beef Hash Browns; Charred Flank Steak; and spicy Shakshuka, with side serves including za’atar sourdough toast and house pickles.
For those looking to fuel up on their way to work, Bagels with lox and cream cheese; and sourdough pastries and muffins from Fortitude Bakery fit the bill. For a caffeine hit, Farmer J will be grinding Redemption Roaster beans for their specialty coffees, and blending fresh juices and smoothies like the Muscle Builder with tahini and peanut butter – no rubbish served here.
Farmer J are cooks, not heater-uppers, so lunch is cooked daily from scratch using natural ingredients, with 90% of food made in the on-site kitchen. Healthy Farmer J favourites will be dished up at the counter, including Fieldtray main picks of spiced rose Harissa Chicken; Charred Tofu Steak with white miso, aubergine and ginger dressing; and Whole Roasted Cauliflower in spices and black sesame seed.
With ingredients sourced from high-welfare, sustainable UK farms as far as possible, each main is to be stacked up with hearty sides including Roasted Sweet Potato in ras el hanout; and Broccoli, Red Pepper and Feta salad.
In the evening, the modern, copper-accented space takes on a warmer atmosphere as the spherical pendant lights are dimmed, with old school tunes playing on the record player. Guests can order nourishing dishes straight to the table, including aromatic Lamb Shawarma and buttery Whole Roasted Celeriac.
Behind the counter, bartenders will be shaking up Farmers Cocktails including the Farmers Forkin’ Pickleback – perfect for unwinding after a long hard day in the fields. Lager, ale and kombucha are all poured on tap, with stylish kombucha cocktails also making an appearance.
Down on this farm, weekends take a more relaxed approach than on bustling weekdays. Diners can order indulgent Banana Pancakes with Crème Fraîche and the ultimate sharing dish: Shakshuka for four, baked eggs, piled high with chopped greens, sliced avocado and house tahini.
Despite Farmer J’s roots being firmly planted in the fields, the versatile space will be decidedly urban. Lime-washed brick and polished concrete walls offset by abundant trailing greenery, aged brass fittings and dark green leather and velvet seating. White neon signage on the wall declares Farmer J’s core philosophy: ‘Do What Comes Natural’.
Farmer J founder, Jonathan Recanati said, “It’s time for Farmer J to plough the next field, so we’re looking forward to opening our new home at King William Street for dinner and cocktails, as well as relaxed weekend brunches. Most importantly, our ethos will remain the same: respecting our fantastic produce, and cooking real food with sustainable, seasonal ingredients.”