There’s something old school about Lucky Strike; even the name evokes smokey joints of a bygone era. From the frilly curtains to the old transistor radio behind the counter, it’s as close to stepping back in time as you’ll go on Bedminster’s East Street. But Lucky Strike is no greasy spoon either. It’s a modern take on traditional British caff.
Opening yesterday (March 14), Lucky Strike’s owners, Tom Montgomery and Matthew Nicholson, met working at Souk Kitchen on North Street. Unlike the Middle Eastern cuisine of that restaurant, however, they dreamt of opening a place that focussed on classic and traditional British dishes. All in a relaxed and refined environment.
The menu is where this dream is best realized. From whole grapefruit to spaghetti hoops on toast, nostalgia-filled British classics are everywhere on the menu. A simple ham, eggs and potato (kind of pommes anna-style) will fill you up for the day. While elsewhere you’ll also find some lesser-known dishes, such as chicken hearts & trotters or porridge & brandy prunes. Almost lost to the past, Lucky Strike more than makes their case for reintroduction to the staple British diet.
For anyone like us, mourning the slow death of a once breakfast staple – black pudding – check out the square sausage, black pudding & tattie scone. It’s Lucky Strike’s breakfast item stand-out for us. Salty and savoury, doused in HP and Heinz of course, it cured our midweek hangover this morning in a heartbeat.
As well as being open from 8am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, for breakfast and lunch. On Friday and Saturday, Lucky Strike will offer late operating hours from 5pm to 10pm. A range of spirit bottles, from rum to gin to whiskey, sit on a shelf behind the counter. We’re hoping these aren’t just for show! Because this British caff could be a strike with locals looking for somewhere new to unwind and dine out on the weekend.