New Row - London

Dark clouds, rain lashing down with no sign of abatement, protected only by a flimsy umbrella that has seen better days, is certainly not the best time to be walking the streets of London in search of new food ideas. 

Of course, weather has no impact and does not deter the serious foodie from its quarry, no matter what is thrown at you the prize will always be obtained. New Row is just off St Martin's Lane in Covent Garden. Business was 'slack' and dribbling much like the rain...

Pan de Vie is relatively new to the food scene in London according to the Catersales website, opening in December, 2015. Pan de Vie, described as a French-Chinese fusion offering good coffee and even better patisserie. Their website is still under construction.

The shop is bright, with white counter tops and good lighting around the main counter. My only criticism would be that the lighting in the corner requires a torch in order to see some very interesting baking products including: Japanese Matcha Melon Bread; Japanese Beef Curry Bread; Cherry Bacon Mayo Bread; Japanese Chicken Teriyaki Bread. 

All items are ready to grab and go priced from £1.95 upwards. I was slightly alarmed that many of these products were not chilled...one can only assume a coach load of Japanese tourists were due in soon! Great blocks of Matcha Castella, a popular Japanese honey-sponge cake, were on sale at £8.95, gift boxes available.

Two employees were working in the shop on the day of our visit both extremely well presented, engaging and obviously loved their jobs! 

Across the road from Pan de Vie is the Jamaica Patty Co. Jamaican food
has been around for a long time but has kept a low profile. This was one of the main reasons that Jamaican born Theresa Roberts decided to open her business, frustrated by a limited Jamaican food offering on the high street, JPC came to fruition in 2013. 








Unlike Cornish pasties the crust is made with Tumeric to give it's distinctive colour. Fillings include, Jerk Chicken; Beef; Spicy Beef, Curried Goat and Vegetable. The owners other half was braving the rain providing samples on the day... and very tasty they were indeed. Having a sweet tooth meant that the Tortuga Rum cake was to die for!

Interestingly, at the top of New Row you will find Benito's Hat a bustling Burritos bar which was doing a roaring trade on this wet and grey day, selling tacos and Mexican tapas all washed down with a Margarita cocktail or a chilled bottled beer. Posted by Spike.