* Location: 10 Endell St, London WC2H 9BD
* Website: Visit Website
* Price: ££ – Mid-range
* Booking: Booking highly recommended (Book here)
Finding a genuinely reliable spot in Covent Garden – one that transitions seamlessly from killer coffee to creative cocktails and satisfying plates without succumbing entirely to tourist-trap clichés – can feel like searching for a reasonably priced umbrella during a downpour. Enter Caravan Covent Garden, nestled comfortably on Endell Street, a stone’s throw from the theatrical buzz. Part of the well-regarded Caravan group, famed for its Antipodean roots, in-house coffee roasting, and globally-inspired menus, this outpost brings its signature laid-back cool to the heart of WC2. It promises an all-day affair, effortlessly catering to caffeine-craving freelancers, brunch aficionados, pre-theatre diners, and those seeking refuge from the surrounding bustle. It’s a known quantity, yes, but in this part of town, reliably good is often exactly what one needs.
Industrial Chic Meets Bustling Energy: Inside Caravan Covent Garden
Stepping inside Caravan Covent Garden is to embrace controlled chaos. The aesthetic is textbook Caravan: a blend of industrial chic with exposed brickwork, utilitarian lighting softened by warmer wood tones, and comfortable, if often closely packed, seating. Large windows flood the space with light (during the day, at least), illuminating the invariably busy scene. It’s rarely quiet; the chatter of diners, the clatter from the open kitchen, and the whir of the espresso machine create a constant, energetic hum. While perhaps not the setting for a hushed, romantic tête-à-tête, the vibe is undeniably vibrant and welcoming. Service mirrors this – generally efficient, friendly, and clad in the requisite casual cool. Staff navigate the throng with practiced ease, knowledgeable about the menu and quick with recommendations, even if sustained, personal attention can be a challenge during peak hours.
From Brunch Staples to Global Flavours: A Taste of Caravan’s Menu
Caravan’s menu is a delightful globetrot, refusing to be pigeonholed. While justly famous for its brunch offerings and exceptional coffee (roasted in-house, naturally), the all-day menu offers a compelling mix of small plates, larger dishes, and sourdough pizzas, all underpinned by fresh ingredients and inventive flavour combinations. It’s food designed for sharing, grazing, and satisfying diverse palates, moving effortlessly from morning pick-me-ups to evening sustenance.
Cornbread French Toast
A Caravan classic for good reason. Forget flimsy brioche; this is thick-cut, hearty cornbread given the French toast treatment. The result is a delightful textural play – slightly crisp exterior yielding to a dense, moist crumb with that distinctive cornmeal sweetness. Typically served with accompaniments like smoked paprika maple syrup, perhaps some crispy bacon or sliced avocado, it masterfully balances sweet and savoury. It’s substantial, comforting, and a benchmark for inventive brunch dishes in the capital.
Jalapeño Cornbread with Fried Egg, Black Beans & Guajillo Chilli Oil
Another testament to their cornbread prowess, this time leaning firmly into savoury territory. A square of warm, crumbly jalapeño-spiked cornbread forms the base, topped with perfectly fried eggs (runny yolks essential), hearty black beans, and often a dollop of cooling yoghurt or avocado. The crucial element is the guajillo chilli oil, adding a smoky depth and gentle warmth rather than aggressive heat. It’s a vibrant, satisfying plate that feels both indulgent and relatively wholesome – breakfast brilliance.
Crispy Chilli Salt Tofu with Pickled Cucumber & Sesame Mayo
Venturing into the small plates, this dish showcases Caravan’s knack for vibrant, pan-Asian flavours. Cubes of tofu are fried to achieve that perfect crisp exterior while remaining soft within, then tossed in a punchy chilli-salt seasoning that tingles rather than burns. The sharp, refreshing tang of pickled cucumber cuts through the richness, while a creamy sesame mayo adds nutty depth and brings it all together. It’s dangerously moreish and exemplifies the menu’s fresh, zesty approach.
The drinks list keeps pace admirably. The coffee programme is, of course, stellar – from espresso to filter, it’s expertly prepared. Beyond caffeine, cocktails are creative and well-executed, often incorporating house-made shrubs or syrups. A concise but well-chosen wine list and selection of craft beers ensure suitable pairings for the eclectic food menu.
The Final Verdict: Is Caravan Covent Garden Your Next Stop?
Caravan Covent Garden successfully translates the group’s winning formula to one of London’s busiest districts. It offers a vibrant, atmospheric setting and a menu that consistently delivers interesting, well-executed dishes, particularly excelling in the brunch and coffee arena. While the energetic buzz and close-quarters seating might not suit those seeking tranquillity, it’s a perfect fit for many occasions. It’s an excellent choice for pre-theatre fuel, a lively brunch rendezvous, catch-ups with friends over small plates, or even just a superior cup of coffee and a pastry. Caravan remains a reliable beacon of quality and relaxed style in Covent Garden, proving that even in the heart of Theatreland, you can find a genuinely satisfying meal without the drama. That Jalapeño Cornbread alone is worth dodging a few selfie sticks for.
