We checked out the food at Hockley's new watering hole...
31K’s building was previously sat idle for over a decade. Now, security grates and degradation have been replaced with a smart, minimalist exterior.
The relaxed interior holds a lofty mezzanine for drinking and snooping at altitude. Real potted plants and local art adorns the walls. Nice touches. You don’t want to be surrounded by plastic leafy lies, or cookie-cutter art bought wholesale from the 2019 edition of Hippy and Trendy Industries.
The food menu is simplified into four levels: ball, sauce, carb and green. Pick one of each and combine to make a meal. There’s some brains behind a successful assembly, so we left the decisions in the safe hands of 31K.
The food comes served in high-walled cardboard takeaway boxes. This is get-stuck-in food; let the napkin do its work after. Working on a shift rotation, we sampled a bit of everything. From the ball options, it was the vegan “foodballs” that stood out. A satisfying initial crunch with a flavour-packed centre of onion, thyme, parsley and oregano. This is vegan food that converts.
The mustard mash came out on top in the carb options; it was creamy without being baby food, thanks to the added texture of wholegrain mustard. We’ve all fallen into the trap of enjoying a side too much and ruining your dinner. The mustard mash is the type that’ll turn you into an idiot and ignore the rest of your meal.
Credit is also due for the Mediterranean veg, which hits the right balance of soft but not mushy, and crisp but not hard. 31K hits the right balance overall: the menu is tight, the setting is cool, and it’s proving itself to be a promising addition to Hockley.
31K, 31 Goose Gate, NG1 1FE. 0115 958 0446
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