Egg-themed restaurant opens in London

A self-confessed “egg pervert” has opened a restaurant in east London that puts the humble egg on a pedestal.

The Bad Egg burger complete with runny yolk. Credit: Ian Sargent

Bad Egg is the brainchild of chef Neil Rankin, who runs barbeque restaurant The Smokehouse in Islington, with a sister site planned for Chiswick in January.

Rankin hopes to change perceptions about eggs with all-day diner Bad Egg on the ground floor of CityPoint in Moorgate, which takes inspiration from modern Chicago diners.

Rather than classics like eggs Benedict and boiled eggs with soldiers, Bad Egg will serve the likes of North African baked eggs, Malaysian egg sambal with galangal, shrimp and chilli, and a reinterpretation of the full English breakfast.

Also on the menu at the 65-cover site are chaat masala hash with sweet tamarind and chilli, Mexican breakfast staple huevos rancheros and a Bad Egg burger served with a runny yolk.

“In an industry where we sinfully over complicate things, eggs are an ideal way to lift a dish. They are also the most versatile ingredient in any kitchen,” Rankin told the Daily Mail.

While overseen by Rankin, the restaurant will be run by head chef Daniel Merry, and will predominantly use chicken and duck eggs rather than eggs from more exotic birds like ostriches.

“It’s not an egg gimmick restaurant; it’s about dishes that have a huge culinary history throughout every world cuisine but don’t have a platform,” Rankin said.

The restaurant serves Camden beer on tap, cocktails and a small selection of wines. It also offers a takeaway service.