Slowburn

Food

Cauliflower Fritters, smoked garlic aioli - Not the most noteworthy dish of the meal, these fried cauliflower pieces are served with a light aioli. The battered cauliflower itself lacked much flavour, but the aioli certainly didn’t hold back on the garlic, unlike so many others, which was a pleasant surprise.

Black bean gyoza tacos, tomatillo and coriander salsa - A great-looking taco that tasted just as good as it looked. The shells were firm, with a lovely corn flavour that paired beautifully with the soft black beans. The tomatillo and coriander salsa added a subtle citrusy tang, bringing everything together for a well-balanced bite.

Pitchfork cheddar, celeriac and brown butter agnolotti - This cheddar and celeriac pasta was one of the standout dishes of the meal. It was a combination I hadn’t experienced before, particularly in a filled pasta, making it a genuinely delightful surprise. The earthy, distinctly cheesy filling was complemented by a light, sweet onion and lemongrass sauce, creating a delicate yet flavourful dish that I could happily eat over and over again.

Delica Pumpkin, cranberry and ancho mole - A generous slice of pumpkin, accompanied by cabbage and girolle mushrooms, sat atop a sweet and spicy ancho mole. I was told that chocolate had been incorporated into the sauce to enhance its flavour, adding another layer of depth to an already impressive dish. Beautifully presented and packed with flavour, this mouth-watering vegetarian creation should not be missed.
My personal favourite of the meal, the pumpkin was wonderfully soft and sweet, while the mole delivered a nutty, sweet and subtly spicy profile. A brilliant example of just how exciting vegetable-led cooking can be, bringing the best of vegetarian cuisine to Walthamstow.

Foskett farm carrots, feta and pistachio, carrot top salsa, lemon honey - Featuring a colourful assortment of carrots, this dish makes a great addition to the table. While it may not be substantial enough to serve as a main course, the carrots were cooked beautifully, retaining a slight firmness that gave them a satisfying bite. They were served over a whipped feta base with a consistency similar to hummus, adding a creamy, savoury element to the dish.
My only criticism was that the honey glaze wasn’t as prominent as I would have liked. Although its sweetness was noticeable, it was somewhat overpowered by the feta underneath. Nevertheless, this was a well-executed vegetable dish that added plenty of colour and variety to the meal.

Service

Service was prompt and informative, with our waiter taking the time to explain the menu and talk us through the available lunch offers. They even managed to convince us to go fully vegetarian rather than opt for any of the meat dishes, which ultimately proved to be a great decision and allowed us to experience some of the best dishes on the menu.
The food arrived in good time, our order was handled without any issues, and everything ran smoothly throughout the meal, making for an enjoyable dining experience.

Ambiance

Dining among the factory’s active denim production lines was quite the experience, and one of the most unique places to eat in London. Our seats were surrounded by half-finished jeans, sewing machines and rolls of fabric, making for a setting unlike anything I’d experienced before.
While I was initially sceptical about eating inside a working factory, the space was exceptionally clean, and I had no concerns throughout the meal. The restaurant was busy and lively, with diners enjoying their food before taking the opportunity to explore the machinery and products scattered around the site. It all came together to create a truly distinctive dining experience that I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for something a little different.

Value

Not the cheapest lunch, but at £28 per head for the lunch offer, which included two starters and three main courses, the portions were certainly generous enough to justify the price, and we certainly didn’t leave hungry.
My only reservation is that there are undoubtedly cheaper lunch options available, and with SlowBurn located outside Central London, travelling further afield for a meal may not appeal to everyone. However, given the distinctive setting and characterful experience that would be difficult to find elsewhere, I’d still say it’s well worth the trip.

Amenities

Being located inside a working factory, the amenities are fairly basic, with little in the way of luxury. That said, the toilets were clean and well maintained, while retaining an industrial feel that fits the venue’s East London edge.