FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Raw Duck, Hackney Central (First through the door)

 

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Raw Duck
5 Amhurst Road, London E8 1LL (map)

Raw Duck is the little sibling of popular ‘Duck Soup‘ in Frith Street, Soho. However, unlike the Soho branch, this Hackney venue will be an all day cafe during the day which will morph into a wine bar in the evening.

Raw Duck – Menu at 08h00, 12h00, 14h00

Clare Lattin and Rory McCoy are expanding their Duck Soup concept out East in Hackney. As one of my favourite venues in Soho, I was curious to see whether the new site would simply replicate the Soho formula or be adapted into a more ‘Hackney-Hipster’ friendly offering.

The decor and friendliness of the staff is definitely replicated, however the main difference is that Raw Duck is an all-day operation. Operating as a cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and post lunch food, the GM tells me that they will operate as a wine bar in the evening. The chalkboard menu is conveniently segregated into three sections 08h00, 12h00 and 14h00.

A nice surprise is a ‘back garden/porch’ area which looks promising, however it is still under construction on day 1.

Raw Duck – ‘The Reuben’ (Pastrami, Melted Swiss, Wasabi Mayo)

I chose ‘The Reuben’ Sandwich which definitely lives up to the quality I’ve come to expect from Duck Soup. It arrived nicely toasted and with a lovely wasabi mayo which gives a nice subtle kick. A lovely balanced quality sandwich. Definitely one to try, especially if you’re local!

Just to warn you, this ISN’T a clone of the original Duck Soup. It feels more like a friendly local cafe but this is a positive for for its more residential location. After all, this isn’t Soho so I doubt that this there will be a rush of media darr-lings here for lunch!

Raw Duck
Ad: 5 Amhurst Road, London E8 1LL (map)
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Tw: @Raw_Duck

 

Raw Duck – ‘The Reuben’ (Pastrami, Melted Swiss, Wasabi Mayo)

Raw Duck – ‘The Reuben’, perfectly toasted

Raw Duck – Simple Clean Decor

Raw Duck – Breakfast will be served here, unlike Duck Soup

Raw Duck – Wine Selection

Raw Duck – You might recognise staff from Tramshed

Raw Duck – Menu at 08h00, 12h00, 14h00

Raw Duck – Simple Understated Shop Front