Brat in Shoreditch. It’s got that Michelin star, the laid-back vibe, and a menu that promises to elevate British cuisine with a touch of fire and flair. But is it really the game-changer its reputation suggests, or is it just another “Shoreditch bro” with great marketing? Spoiler alert: it was a solid meal, but I’m not sure it was Michelin-star material.

The Atmosphere: Very Shoreditch, Very Chill

If you’ve been to Shoreditch, you know the vibe: all exposed brick, dim lighting, and just a touch of pretension. The waiters in jeans in double denim are as relaxed as you’d expect, which makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into an underground (even if its overground) dinner party rather than a fine-dining experience.

The staff spend more time adjusting the tables than they do engaging with the guests, but hey, they’re *very* focused on their work. It’s a bit funny—there’s this air of “we’re too cool for you” while they’re trying to stop the tables from falling over. All part of the charm, I guess. 

The Food: Hits and Misses

Okay, let’s talk food. First off, Brat gets the basics right—there’s a lot of flavor here, and some dishes *do* shine. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

– **Crab Salad**: This was the first dish to land on the table, and I had high hopes. Unfortunately, it was hit with a serious dose of bitterness. The sambuca undertones were a surprise, but not in the good way. It felt like an experimental twist gone a bit too far. I ended up pushing the plate aside in search of something more satisfying.

– **Lamb Ribs**: Now, this is where things took a turn for the better. These were incredible—tender, smoky, perfectly charred. I could have happily eaten them all day. If you’re a lamb lover, this is the dish that’ll have you coming back.

– **Scallop**: The oil was absolute heaven—rich and aromatic. But the whole “hay” flavor they promised was a bit of a letdown. It didn’t really come through as much as I’d hoped, and I ended up focusing on the oil and wishing there was more of it.

– **Bread with Anchovies**: Hands down, the best thing I ate all night. I don’t know what magic they’ve worked with those anchovies, but it’s one of those dishes that makes you think, “Okay, now *this* is what I came for.” Don’t skip it—just don’t.

Service: Focused on the Tables, Not So Much the Guests

The service was… okay. Let’s be real: the waiters were far more interested in propping up tables and looking cool than checking in on the actual diners. It’s a little bit amusing, but I kind of wanted them to focus on the food, not the furniture. If you’re a fan of the “I’m not here to talk to you unless it’s absolutely necessary” school of service, then you’ll feel right at home.

The Brat Factor: Do You Know What ‘Brat’ Means?

Quick side note: Brat is the name for turbot in Spanish, which is kind of fun if you’re into culinary trivia. And yes, the turbot they serve here is excellent. But it still didn’t knock me out in the way that makes you want to declare it a life-changing meal. 

A Moment of Unintentional Comedy: Bruno from the Advert?

The dessert, though—that’s where things got *really* fun. The caramel crème was a standout. As one chap at the next table remarked, “It tastes like it’s burnt, but it’s not!” His comment made me laugh because it *did* have that burnt-sugar depth but without the bitterness. It was sweet, smoky, and delightful. A real sneaky trick that had us all impressed, especially when he compared it to a certain well-known advert (Bruno, anyone?). Who knew a dessert could spark such deep philosophical thoughts?

Final Thoughts: A Good Meal, But Not a Must-Return

So, would I go back to Brat? Eh. It was a good meal, but it didn’t blow me away. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re in the area and looking for something that has its moments (those lamb ribs and that anchovy bread!) but, overall, I’m not racing back.

Is it Michelin-star-worthy? Maybe. But for me, it feels more like the kind of place you go to if you want to say you’ve been to a “cool” restaurant in Shoreditch. The food is tasty, but it doesn’t quite have the magic that justifies a Michelin star in my book.

If you’re in the mood for a relaxed, “very Shoreditch” vibe and some good food, Brat might be your spot. Just don’t expect to be blown away.