Enjoy a taste of the mediterranean in the heart of Shoreditch at JOAN

JOAN, a vibrant yet relaxed bistro and bar in the heart of East London, welcomes back Londoners following its launch in late 2020, after reopening this summer following lockdown restrictions lifting.

Offering an all-day modern mediterranean menu, JOAN draws inspiration from head chef Niko Kontogiannatos’ native Greece - incorporating his own breezy, eclectic food style using some of London’s best ingredients and suppliers. Previously Head Chef at Caravan Fitzrovia, Niko’s talent and expertise means the quality of the dishes are second to none, with everything in house made from scratch, from the bread to the sorbet.

Offering lunch and dinner throughout the week, the menu offers a huge variety of something that everyone will enjoy, with large plates including; Cauliflower ceviche tostadas, artichoke, avocado mousse, coconut sauce; Slow-cooked lamb shoulder, fregola salad, labneh and harissa and Grilled chicken breast, king oyster, bacon marmalade, garlic puree, Madeira sauce. Pizzetta options include San daniele prosciutto, stracciatella cheese and wild rocket and the loaded vegan with grilled courgettes, caramelised onions, roasted mushrooms.

All dishes can be accompanied with lovingly prepared sides from the nibbles and small plates menu, which includes; Braised beef short rib tortilla, smoked bbq sauce, mint & onion salad; Roast pepper hummus, feta, toasted sesame seeds and fresh dill; Blood orange salad, watercress quinoa, pecans, fennel; Sous vide octopus, greek skordalia, lime and Beetroot salad with goats cheese.

Guests can complete their experience with a treat from the dessert menu, with items such as Orange pie, white chocolate cream, orange gel and crispy filo and Vegan coconut mousse with passion fruit, lime and roasted pineapple.

Come the weekend Niko turns his attention to brunch, which includes classic dishes with a mediterranian twist such as Baked brioche buns with creamy spinach and bacon, fried egg and crispy chips; Loaded sourdough with smashed peas, halloumi, roasted tomato and poached egg; Peinirli greak flatbread with cheese bechamel sauce; Grilled kimchi toast with a poached egg and watercress. For those with a sweeter tooth, the menu includes a host of incredibly moorish dishes such as Orea brioche bread with nutella cream and fresh berries and Buttermilk pancakes, crème fraiche and blueberry compote. There are also fresh and zesty options for those looking for something slightly healthier such as; Mango smoothie bowl, bananas, oats, coconut yoghurt and pumpkin seeds. Guests can make their brunch bottomless for just £25 for 2 hours of endless flowing bubbles or mimosas.

From Fridays to Sundays, guests can enjoy the atmosphere at JOAN until the early hours, with an array of delicious cocktails that are guaranteed crowd pleasers. The menu includes Passionfruit Pisco Sour; Spicy Tortuga; Mediterranean Gin & Tonic and Italian Aperitive. A short menu of local beers and wines from European producers completes the line up at JOAN.

With plush blue velvet seating, dark oak and large green potted plants throughout, the interiors of JOAN make the perfect backdrop for a vibrant meets relaxed dining experience.