Le Merlin in Hackney

The Merlin is a good spot to come with mates and watch the football especially in the summer as it has tv screens in the beer garden.

We called in for a Sunday lunch. No booking needed. The service was good. Four of us had something different and we all agreed that the chef had done a great job, especially getting the crepes spot on in terms of crispiness for the savoury dishes.

Definitely a hidden gem. We were in the area for another event that didn't start till later in the day, so a friend and I were searching for somewhere to grab lunch. We were struggling to find anywhere local to Victoria Park but then stumbled across Le Merlin. It's a cosy little restaurant - only a few tables, so do be prepared to wait during peak hours! - with friendly staff and very fair prices for central London. I had a ratatouille crêpe with a side of sautéed potatoes that were absolutely delicious.

Small and cozy french place in Hackney. Very good goulettes and crepes at fair prices. (Not too loud) music playing in the background, gentle personnel and simple but delicate interior design. Recommended for easygoing dinners/lunches with both your partner or friends.

Probably obvious to a Bret (as opposed to a Brit) but there was a clear distinction between the savoury / crispy galettes and the sweet crepes. Both were superb by the way. The savouries included confit duck and blue cheese sauce, which had confit that was 'just so' - it is so often dry and overcooked and this really was not. The 'complet' galette had an egg in the middle that was just right, and the rest (emmental, etc.) very well matched. Crepes suzette on the menu was also fine, though maybe a tad too much alcohol / Grand Marnier and today's special was seriously inventive, the striking bit being caramelized melon. Wine was very acceptable (a fair grenache) and something I had not tried before - Kir Breton which was made with Breton cider - just dry enough and well balaced (Kirs are often too sweet).