RESTAURANT REVIEW: HAPPENSTANCE, THE IDEAL PLACE FOR PLEASING EVERYONE

Short, snappy menus are all the rage in the capital these days. Minimal choice, minimum fuss, one dish, one cuisine, bish-bash-bosh and you’re out of the door, full and happy.

There is another way though. Whisper it, but sometimes, we actively like a bit of choice. Sometimes, just sometimes, putting your faith in fate, praying to the gourmet gods and relying on luck to line your stomach is a risk.

Enter The Happenstance….

Idea

This groovy restaurant of the ever popular Drake and Morgan group, nestled into the culinary mecca of Paternoster Square, has a rich and diverse clientele and a menu to match.

Foot weary tourists and families seeking refuge from trudging around St. Paul’s rub shoulders with ladies doing lunch and business folk conducting deals. This rich tapestry leads to a menu of range and reach.

Location

Cast your gaze out of large, sun-inviting windows and you’re greeted with a stunning view of St. Paul’s Cathedral in striking distance. Pop-up food stalls enticingly serving the niche food of which Happenstance’s menu pays homage – Turkish lamajhuns, wild fish burgers, Vietnamese street food – line the street outside.  It’s an inviting area to spend the day imbibing and instagramming.

Atmosphere

The place has a boisterousness and buzz lent by the happy chatter of the working lunch. Tourist footfall explains the mass-appeal menu. The stylish outdoor terrace is fantastic for soaking up the sun and there is also a pleasant, more relaxed café/bar area for those wishing to rest and recharge, but not fill themselves up for the afternoon’s traipse.

Food

As you’ve probably surmised by now, there is a great range of the classics. Anyone could find something they like here, and vegetarians are well catered for, always a big plus in our book.

To begin with, we enjoyed crispy squid, which was just that – crispy and squid – but well cooked and certainly not of the packet or freezer. Just as the dish should be and very tasty indeed.

A chorizo scotch egg was fantastic – yolk in the middle offering the ooze you’d hope for, a chorizo coating with bit of gentle heat, and rich, vibrant bravas sauce. The Spaniards on the table adjacent seemed to agree that this was the real deal.

The Wagu burger offered that hint of luxury and depth which normal beef just doesn’t come close to.  If anything, we’d have appreciated a slightly less well-done patty – we always err on the side of pink – but the blame falls on us for not asking. Chips were excellent and felt like a chef’s knife had been involved rather than a freezer bag.

Seared tuna salad with papaya salad racked up further air miles. It felt very much a lunch dish, all lightness and zip.

The Eton Mess suited the summery, light theme, with the addition of fresh mint bringing a little punch to the party. The afagato was so boozy we left merry and unsteady – no complaints here!

Drink

The wine list was accommodating and reasonable, with choices between £19 and £40. With summer in our step, we asked to be guided towards something bright and sunny. A French rose at £29 was produced and was an inspired choice. With over 60 wines available to choose from, there really is something for everyone at Happenstance.  If you’re a Londoner looking to unwind after a long day at the office, we suggest coming here for a cocktail or two – they do a good Pisco Sour.

Must try

The scotch egg the highlight – an assured piece of technique which had pleasing heat and seasoning.

Why go

The perfect choice for an inclusive lunch, where no one will go hungry and everyone will leave happy. Don’t rely on chance – put your trust in Happenstance!

Address: 10 Paternoster Sq., London EC4M 7DX, UK

Website:  drakeandmorgan.co.uk

IDEAL dined at as a guest of Happenstance and received a complimentary meal. 

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