Union Jacks

Pizza is probably one of the most available categories of food on the high street. People love to eat pizza and operators love the profit margins they can make on it. So it was not a surprise when Jamie Oliver decided to jump on the gravy train with his Union Jack's concept. In order to give it a different packaging to all the Zizzi's, Ask, Pizza Express and a endless number of other chain restaurant on the high street a British theme was chosen. The concept is based on wood-fired 'flatbreads' with Great British flavours, using British produce that has been locally sourced. Unimpressed, I have avoided this place since it's opening. Having thought that the place would go bust and Oliver would file it away as a crap idea, I recently read that a second unit was due to open in Chiswick. Driven by curiosity I decided to give it a try. Union Jack's ticks all the right boxes of what is trendy this year, such as reclaimed furniture, open show kitchen and locally sourced produce. The pink features of the interior are rather a matter of taste, but overall a good looking and welcoming space with a lovely display of food at the entrance to get you in the mood.

The place was fairly packed, but staff were well on top with a bit of spare time to chat to you. No faults here either. All staff were friendly, chatty and very helpful. service was swift and efficient. The menu was well structured with a decent selection of starters and Flat bread, but only 2 main courses of which the beef dish was not available. A alternative sausage dish was offered instead.

Not being very keen on chicken nor sausages, I went for the 'Red Ox' flat bread, which consistent of a flat bread topped with slow braided short rib, red Leicester cheese, watercress and fresh horseradish. I had fairly low expectations of the  British style 'Pizza', but have to admit it that it wasn't to bad. The dough was fluffy and chewy. The base was heavenly crisp and the toppings worked well. In particular the Horseradish provided a nice bit of sharpness to contrast with the richness of the braised short rip.  I never been a big fan of red leicester and the cheese added little in terms texture or flavour.

The sticky treacle tart on display at the entrance looked appetising and did not disappointed flavour wise. The tart arrived warm and the orange sour cream added a lovely freshness.


I still haven't made my mind up of what to think of Jamie Oliver's newest venture. Although I want to dislike it from the depth of my heart, I can't really find anything to moan about. It's not the most creative concept and you won't get a culinary adventure. However, if you are starving and in the area give it a shot. It's not to bad.

I love CR?

I recently went to visit Coffee Republic’s new Flagship store in Tottenham Court Road, open since December 2010. For those of you who are not familiar with the chain, here some boring background information: The chain was amongst the first operators to offer espresso based hot beverages in the UK at a time when black and watery filter dominated the market.  The chain had grown to a respectable size over the years. However, failed to innovate when competition stiffened. The company went last year into administration and was subsequently bought by an Arab investor. Having been criticised for its dark environment, the new owner worked on a complete redesign of the concept. The new store sits amongst some though competition, with the likes of Starbucks or Prêt just a few steps away. 

On first impression, the interior shows little points of differentiation of what is already out there. However, the facelift was needed and certainly helped. The atmosphere is much brighter than in the old stores. Expect to find modern glass cut counters, dark wooden floors paired with black and white tiles, and black shiny tiles on light green painted walls. The ventilation system on the ceiling is partly exposed and creates together with the brushed steel spot lightning, a sense of space and an appealing industrial feel. Walls are decorated with photo wallpaper of gorgeous looking cappuccinos and happy people sipping their coffee.

Despite the intense competition, the place was packed and the queue was long. The atmosphere is vivid and with high noise levels, of customers and staff alike you will barely notice the background music. However, staff was fast, friendly and sharp.

Product wise, you will find the usual line up of coffee based beverages and their iced counter parts. The food offer included freshly baked bakery, a small selection of bread based products and hot options, such as Soups from New Convent Garden Food Company.

More interesting offers, such as ‘Nutella’ Hot Chocolate or a ‘Kinder Bueno’ Milk Shake, compliment the overall offer. Although a matter of taste, but the Nike Sneakers and Gola bags clothed, young “Fitzrovia” Crowd appear to love it.

I was less adventurous today and went for a good old Brie and Bacon Panini, Latte and a juice. The Panini was ready by the time I had paid, thanks to a fancy ‘hybrid’ oven that toasts bread in combination with microwaves.

Coffee was of good (roasted in Milan) and the Copella cloudy apple juice from Boxford Farm in Suffolk is an interesting addition to the usual Lucosade and Coca Cola assortment. The Panini was excellent, rich filling with fat Brie slices and smoky streaky bacon. However, a spoonful of sweet chutney would have beautifully balanced with the saltiness of the Brie and bacon.

The quality came at a price; expect to pay £3.80 for the Panini, £2.45 for a ‘regular’ Cappuccino and £1.50 for a tiny 200 ml bottle of juice, leaving me with almost £8 pounds out of the pocket.

Almost in a hypnotic manner, everywhere I looked, whether on mugs or on the disposable napkin used to wipe my mouth, the store hints on message: “I love Coffee Republic”. Hmmm, sorry but not quite convinced.