Gather by name, gather by nature
I’m currently reading ‘Ordinary People’, written in 2018 by Diana Evans for Poppy Loves Book Club, and fairly early on in the book there was a line, which tripped me up a little:
‘They had looked in the east (the darkness of Walthamstow,
the barren lawns of Chingford…’
… it struck me that there is nothing about Walthamstow that I’d consider dark. On the contrary, I find it is full of life and colour, exciting foodie corners and huge explosions of creativity… so I found it fascinating that this pocket of London could be perceived this way. So I feel even more spurred on to tell you about this very special pop-up in the Stow!
Gather E17 is a restaurant based at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers – London’s only craft jean factory, which happens to be in Walthamstow.
Founded by husband and wife team, Martin and Charlotte Major, their shared vision is to bring seasonal, ethically sourced and beautifully cooked food to Walthamstow, where they live. And this is precisely what they have done.
Hurrah for babysitters! We left Isabelle fast asleep and the biscuit tin full. Hopped in the car (there was torrential rain!) and drove the 7 mins down the road to Gather, where we had an absolutely sensational five course supper.
They call their style of food ‘Modern British’ and use french cooking techniques with British produce to magically combine fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Waltham Forest.
Championing local artisanal makers and growers is something hugely important to them both, and they do this brilliantly. They source and they gather the special folk, which I love very much.
It was such a wonderful atmosphere and while Charlotte was busy whizzing around between kitchen and tables and Martin was creating incredible masterpieces in the fabulous kitchen they have there, we were happy and relaxed as can be.
We sat back and chatted about 2019, how we feel being Londoners, especially after the election… and our hopes and dreams for the coming year… There’s nothing like an extraordinay chocolatey dessert to make you feel like anything is possible. So we clinked our spoons and agreed to getting our bathroom done this year while saving money for nursery fees. Oh.
But look:
And here’s another…
We had the most wonderful evening and the food was truly exceptional. Every course was spectacular and that SOUP! It was a real highlight.
A huge thank you to Gather for hosting us and looking after us so beautifully… and if I’d had room, I’d have DEFINITELY had that optional cheese course, too!
I’m so proud to live in the Stow. And it’s brave, creative, kind and skilled trail blazers like Charlotte and Martin that make me fit to burst.
Oh, and they also do a fabulous brunch! You can see their brunch menu here.
GATHER E17
Blackhorse Lane Ateliers,
114B, Blackhorse Lane,
London E17 6AA
We were invited to dine at GATHER E17
and all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Thank you for having us!
