Blend on Green Lanes. Image by G.Sparrow

Green Lanes has never been short of places to get a good meal. But lately it’s teeming with new places opening up to feed the area’s growing demand for good food, coffee and cocktails.

Blend was the first of this new wave when long-time Haringey residents Linda and Steve opened their doors in 2013, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch daily. Their emphasis is on quality, seasonal ingredients and delicious homemade food and cakes.

I visited for Sunday brunch with the family. My daughter was well looked-after, with a healthy serving of fluffy scrambled eggs on golden toasted sourdough from the kids menu. This was devoured with gusto before she toddled off to play in the toy corner, leaving the grown-ups to enjoy a leisurely breakfast – not two words that go together often for me these days.

The Blend Fry-up did not disappoint in presentation or flavour. Handmade chipolatas and streaky bacon from free-range pigs were delicious, and the espresso beans (of which I was mildly sceptical) were outstanding. I was left feeling comfortably satisfied. Coffee from Climpson and Sons was expertly made by owner Steve, with rich black Americano for me and beautiful latte art for my friends.

Brunch at Blend cafe

Only the Eggs Florentine let down the otherwise very good offering, as these were just the wrong side of undercooked. They were removed from the bill when we let the waitress know, so we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and try them again next time.

Blend is a deceptively large space. It’s bright and airy all the way to the back, thanks to large skylights. Furniture is mismatched mid-century and bright artwork fills the walls, giving a homely feel to what could have been a stark space.

I know I’m probably a bit late to the party on this one, but Blend will definitely be on my go-to list for brunch in future.