Little Bat for Brunch & Cocktails (Eat London with Kids)

 

 
You know those Sunday mornings when you roll out of bed, absolutely ravenous? You’re craving pancakes or a pimped-out fry up, but you can’t be bothered to trek. We have an amazing brunch spot round the corner from us in Islington. But the queues, man, the queues. So when we were invited** to come and try Little Bat for breakfast, I did a little whoop of joy to see it’s just a 15 minute stroll away. We were more thrilled to find out their food is yummy.

 

 
Little Bat is better known as a cocktail bar, sister to the popular Callooh Callay in Shoreditch. Tucked away off Upper Street, it’s easy to miss, if not for that LB neon sign. Inside, it’s stylish and loungey, with plush furniture, ornate lighting, and funky art. It feels like more of an adult hangout, and there’s no kids’ menu to speak of. Yet the food is certainly kid-friendly.

 

 

Little Bat for Little People

Here’s a photo of the 9-year-old dancing, once he learned he could get his Fried Chicken and Waffles with maple syrup, fried egg and chips on the side.

 

 
The official dish is what Abiye had (see below), but Little Bat staff were happy to adapt. Ezra ordered the same as Jed. I opted for pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Then I had a taste of the fries. Oh no, that will be too much for me. One more fry. Actually, can I get a portion too? Lawd, those fries are good!

Here’s another photo of Jed, chowing down on chicken and waffles like he’s eating a sandwich.

 

 
I promise I’ve raised him with table manners, but when he’s enjoying food that much, cutlery is an afterthought. Maybe it’s the Naija in him (we eat much of our food with our hands because, well, it tastes better). Jed was all over those tender chicken pieces and crunchy waffles. Or was that crunchy chicken and tender waffles? Either way, he was loving it.Safe to say, the chicken and waffles got four thumbs up.

 

 
Abiye had the dish as described on the menu, with avocado, fried egg and hot sauce heaped on top of the chicken and waffles. He said it was ‘amazing’.

 

 

Cocktails for Brunch?

My pancakes came STACKED. It was probably about 3 pancakes total, but looked more like double the portion. Topped with crispy streaky bacon and submerged in maple syrup. Now typically, I’m that girl who asks for syrup on the side, so I can pour it myself. But after my first bite, I had zero complaints. What in the fluffy heaven do they put in that batter?

 

 
Delicious. Jed had a taste and declared, ‘next time we come, I’m having that.’

You can order a Bottomless Brunch for an extra £25 of unlimited prosecco, mimosas or Bloody Marys. I figured it would be rude not to try one of their famous cocktails. There I sat, at 12.45pm, sipping on a Canteloupe Spritz with melonade, pineapple shrub and prosecco. Happy mama.

‘Can we come here again in three weeks time?’ Jed asked. Why three weeks? ‘Because one week is too soon, but any longer than 3 weeks would be way too long!’

Thanks Little Bat, looks like we’ve found a new neighbourhood favourite.

Little Bat is at 54 Islington Park St, N1 1PX (Highbury & Islington tube/overground/rail). Opening hours 5pm-11pm (Tue-Wed), 5pm-12am (Thu), 5pm-1am (Fri), 11am-1am (Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun). Brunch is served from 11am-4pm (Sat-Sun only).

**complimentary press review, all opinions (and dancing child) belong to Babes about Town