East End's own jazz cafe in the making?

Written by East End Life Monday, 02 June 2008 10:33

Funky arts and entertainment venue Rich Mix is still one of the borough’s best-kept secrets.

Situated at the City end of Bethnal Green Road, the centre has a three-screen movie house, studios, art galleries and space for entertainment and education workshops, ceremonies, cabarets and shows.

A couple of Saturdays ago, when visiting the venue to watch a comedy show, Mr Peck- ish and I discovered the Rich Mix café bar.

The roomy eatery is conveniently next to the performance stage, allowing visitors to dine and drink while watching a show. On the other hand, diners can look out of the tall glass windows, on to the buzzing road outside.

The choice of food was limited but inviting. We opted for jerk chicken – two huge portions each, infused in a blend of Caribbean herbs and spices, served with a tasty creamy coleslaw and fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber.

The bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including a variety of fair trade herbal teas.

Alluring desserts, including fresh fruit salad tarts, decked with kiwi, peach and strawberries, were on display.

We enjoyed the hot, crisp and succulent chicken which went down well with the salad. And we listened to cool jazz music while we dined.

Our bill totalled about £12 including a drink each.

Rich Mix plans to open an additional café this summer, serving local and healthy produce which reflects the diversity of east London. This could be the borough’s very own jazz café in the making.

Rich Mix café is in Bethnal Green Road, E1 and open 9am-11pm, Monday to Sunday. Visit www.richmix.org.uk