Nestled in a vibrant corner of Shoreditch Box Park is a branch of Poptata, the chip place. “£7.95 for a portion of chips!?” I hear you cry. A seemingly extortionate amount of money that I’m sure some people won’t be able to see past, however, the amount of pork on the Tex Pulled Pork Fries is impressive. The pulled pork is moist and substantial, and the BBQ sauce delicious. More of a meal than a snack, a portion of them will set you up for whatever the evening has in store for you.
The simple yet effective Parmesan fries with fresh parmesan and pink garlic mayo also hits the spot and looks pretty good too.
If it’s simplicity you’re after then for £3 you can get a snack sized portion of fries with a topping of chorizo or halloumi for an extra £1.50 or indulge your avocado addiction with the Guaca Fries made with smashed avocado, halloumi, spicy sauce and covered in cheese. The new halloumi fries are a thing to behold, deep fried golden bricks of halloumi served with a variety of sauces including the intriguing banana ketchup.
The loaded fry is not a new or particularly ground breaking invention, nor is it going to change the course of gastronomic history, but when you’re unsure what to go for, Poptata is the place for the perfect pre-gig carby stomach liner.
Check them out at Box Park Shoreditch, Box Park Croydon, Portobello Market, Tooting Market, which also happens to be the location of Poptata’s newly opened cocktail bar Top of the Pop. So, grab yourself a portion of tasty tasty fries washed down with a Feisty Sour; a heady combination of fortified Amaretto, Grapefruit juice, Lime juice and Smokey syrup (£8), among other tempting libations. All you need on a warm London summer evening.
Review by Leonie Helm
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