Greenberry Cafe, Primrose Hill: what to order and when to go

Open 09:00 to 22:00, Tuesday to Saturday. Sunday and Monday, 09:00 to 15:00. Book ahead for weekend brunch. That is the short version for Greenberry Cafe, 101 Regent's Park Road, NW1 8UR, the all-day spot on the Primrose Hill high street in Camden's north-west corner.

What it is

Greenberry describes itself as a casual all-day dining venue in the heart of Primrose Hill: brunch dishes by day, a seasonal à la carte in the evening. The Infatuation files it under Modern European bakery and cafe, with nice brunch dishes and bigger, meatier plates at lunch and dinner. SquareMeal describes a bright green awning and gingham tablecloths, and there is outdoor seating if the weather plays along.

It has been here since late 2012, taking over the site of Trojka, the Russian cafe also known as the Russian Tea Rooms. The owner is restaurateur Morfudd Richards, who also picks the wine list, according to SquareMeal. The name is a pun on Greenberry Hill, an old nickname for Primrose Hill, which in turn nods to the hangings of Green, Berry and Hill over a plot against Charles II.

When to go

• Weekend brunch: the big draw, and busy. Hardens calls it a local favourite for brunch “if you can get a table”, and Breakfast London says reservations are essential at weekends.
• Quieter option: a weekday late morning. A traiteur menu of salads, charcuterie and sandwiches runs from noon, Monday to Friday, with cakes in the afternoon, according to Tripadvisor.
• Evenings: the à la carte runs 18:00 to 22:00, Tuesday to Saturday.
• Fewer buggies: Time Out noted it can feel very family-friendly in the daytime, and London Cheapo suggests going after 17:00 to avoid them.

What to order

The menu changes with the seasons, so treat these as examples from the cafe’s own site: butternut squash soup, seared hand-dived king scallops with garlic butter, bacon and herb pangrattato, game terrine, Jerusalem artichoke risotto, blackened salmon, pan-roasted hake, ox cheek bourguignon and Sutton Hoo roast chicken breast. For pudding, think pear and almond tart, plum crumble with ginger ice cream or tarte tatin.

Hardens points to the huge salads, brownies, ice cream, good coffee and cocktails, though it also reports mixed views, including food that can be hit or miss. London Cheapo reckons the carrot cake is worth an afternoon table on its own. The wine list leans towards small growers, many organic and biodynamic, plus English sparkling and grower Champagnes, according to Yelp.

What it costs

Mid-range. Tripadvisor’s menu listing shows main salads at £16 (endive, roquefort and candied pecan) and £18 (chicken, avocado and pumpkin seed), though that listing is undated. Hardens puts a full evening at around £63 a head for three courses, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover and service. Call ahead for current prices.

Booking and practicalities

• Phone 020 7483 3765 or email reservations@greenberrycafe.co.uk.
• Dogs are welcome inside and out, according to Dog Friendly.
• Children are welcome, and Tripadvisor lists vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
• Nearest station is Chalk Farm, about 400m away.

For after: Primrose Hill itself

The hill is a short walk from Regent’s Park Road, and the Royal Parks note it has one of the most famous views over the City of London. Breakfast London suggests visiting before or after “summiting” the hill and wandering the colourful streets around it. Check the Royal Parks site for current gate times: weekend closures from 22:00 to 06:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays run from Friday 3 April to Sunday 8 November, so they have not started yet.

Verdict: brunch first, dinner second, and a lap of the hill to finish. Book the weekend, and ring ahead if you are travelling for it.

Sources: Greenberry Cafe, The Infatuation, Hardens, The Royal Parks.