On Sunday, despite the copious snowfall, I bravely ventured out for brunch with my friend N. Our original plan was to pay a visit to the Modern Pantry in Clerkenwell. I think I left too late to book, and when I finally called, they had no tables available until 3PM.

I was faced with two options: queuing in the snow with the hope to get a table at the Breakfast Club in Angel, or finally try out A little of what you fancy, a quirky cafe’ in Dalston,that has been on my list since its opening. After a quick look at their positive reviews, and because I was starving so badly, I decided for A little of what you fancy.

This little cafe’, located on Kingsland road, doesn’t have a proper sign, and can be pretty easily missed. I (obviously) missed it. When I finally realized it, I had to walk back a couple of blocks, and eventually joined my friend N, who was patiently waiting inside, sipping a cappuccino, in an almost empty cafe’.

The menu was pretty limited, the brunch options pretty simple, and not very inspiring, particularly if I compared them to the mouth-watering dishes I sampled the week before at Caravan King’s Cross. I really struggled to order, and believe me, it doesn’t happen often.

What we finally ordered:

Salmon and scrambled eggs on rye bread for N. The salmon was meaty and soft. The eggs cooked well, but nothing that you couldn’t recreate at home with good quality ingredients. Great presentation.

Baked egg (yes, only one!) with peppers and tomato with two skinny sausages for me. This dish is a copycat of my eggs at Caravan except… a blander and greasier one.The tomato and the peppers were literally swimming in olive oil. I had to fish them out with my fork, and eat them separately on another plate.As you will see in the picture, it doesn’t look very appealing. My coffee was exceptionally good though.

My final verdict: I am sorry, because I really wanted to like this place so many people are raving about; but for me it just doesn’t work. I think the food is overrated, and overpriced, even considering the quality ingredients.  As I alluded to, the menu is very simple, which would be fine if the plates were well executed.  Service is slow,  and not particularly friendly or professional. It took them more than half an hour to prepare our two simple dishes, with 6 guests in the cafe’. It was freezing because the cold from outside was coming through from the non-isolated door. So, unfortunately I won’t be back. I loved the nice touch of fresh flowers on each table though.