Eline

14 Autumnal Specials to Try in London

"Restaurant Eline is a brand new restaurant from former Pophams duo Maria Vivani and Alex Reynolds showcasing French techniques, seasonal produce and natural wines just off Hackney Road. Just two weeks into opening, Eline is already demonstrating flair and distinction with a savoury pumpkin ginger tart inverting the classic American sweet pumpkin pie and refining it with French patisserie precision. Millimetre-thin individual pastry tart cases are baked fresh every service for textural perfection and filled with rich caramelised Delica pumpkin puree, and an unctuous onion fondue of meltingly tender shallots. Each one is topped with a rich golden confit egg yolk that threatens to spill its contents any moment, and finished with fine ribbons of crown Prince squash, pickled ginger, and fresh tarragon for a burst of freshness. On the dessert menu, there is a sacrilegious religieuse with banana ice cream, peanut gianduja and hot chocolate sauce — forgive us our sins of gluttony and greed — embodied in the French patisserie meant to resemble a chubby nun in her habit. Diners will certainly be knocking on Eline’s doors this Halloween." - Emma Louise Pudge