"If you’re looking to romance your life by way of eggs and bacon, this all-day poster child for that distinct breed of gingham Hackney living is an excellent place to start. Between the ‘70s daydream tan leather booths and the server in a beret, Fran’s feels like the charming caff that a flighty, broke protagonist would own if the film ‘Four Weddings And A Rented Damson Madder Dress’ existed. There’s even an adjoining flower shop so you can eat a very satisfying full English while admiring pampas grass and debating whether a ketchup and chrysanthemum-scented candle should be a thing. It’s all very cool and charming, but more tasteful than tasty. The food at Fran’s satisfies and blurs into the background—an almost sweet lattice-top apple pie in a thin pool of cream, or a jacket potato you probably could have made at home but no one’s currently arranging a bouquet in your living room so this is better. The evening menu of pasta dishes follow a similar vein of home comforts cooking, but we like this place best during the day. Come for the aesthetic, stay for the Climpson’s filter coffee, and leave with a bouquet of flowers and the sincere belief that you might put up gingham curtains at home. video credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Food Rundown photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Full Breakfast A proper “good morning!” of a full English. The sausage has a slight tang to it that goes a treat with the earthiness of the mushrooms. video credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Apple Pie Apple pie counts as a nutritious breakfast. After all, there is fruit involved. We’re deeply charmed by the perfectly baked lattice top but the filling could be a touch sweeter. photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley Tagliatelle Al Ragù There’s something about the chunky carrot cubes and generous dusting of parmesan that gives this pasta dish a real home cooking feel. The kind of simple, happy cooking that should be accompanied by a cheek kiss from an aunt." - Heidi Lauth Beasley
