Sustainable dining isn’t perhaps the sexiest turn of phrase, but the Project Awana pop-up at Highbury Library is just that. The ethical tapas menu, which is taking up residency at the N5 hangout over the next 6-months, is a beautifully presented selection of healthy bar-bites, inspired by flavours from all around the world, yet sourced in London.
I should just clarify- no, not that Highbury Library- as we discovered whilst absent mindedly tapping in a vague location to our phone and being led to the public bookspace by the voice of Google. Highbury Library is in fact a contemporary new wine bar/cafe/place to drink, eat and be social and is actually located directly opposite the main entrance to the Emirates stadium (which may or may not be a deterrent depending where your loyalties lie) close to Drayton Park Station.
Using locally sourced produce all from within the M25 (with the exception of the fish, manager Ryan was quick to point out), the concept of Project Awana is a combination of seasonal British garden veg and produce with multicultural influences, like Sweetcorn dipped in Caramelised Miso (right), or the Butternut Squash with Chickpea and Coconut- these flavours worked extremely well.
I particularly enjoyed the Southern Fried Broccoli, which was deliciously coated in a light crisp flavoursome batter chased swiftly by a Smoked Mackerel Bloody Mary.
We washed our meal down with a few glasses of a decent Spanish Tempranillo, and flicked through some of the 90’s Hip Hop featured in their vinyl library (Aaaaah THAT sort of Library). Good casual, mid-week spot this, and popular with local residents.
Highbury Library is open 6 days a week and the menu will be available most evenings.
WHAT: Project Awana
WHERE: Highbury Library, 66A Drayton Park, London N5 1ND
WHEN: Until April 2017 (Closed Mondays)
WEB: www.projectawana.com
FOLLOW: @projectawana @highburylibrary
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