An accidental discovery. We wanted to go for schnitzel and beer, you see, at the West Brewery. When we arrived we were told there would be an hour to wait for a table. We debated this proposition – there are worse things than waiting for an hour in a craft brewery – but ultimately the immediate and pressing need for food had to be the priority.
We wandered out aimlessly and found ourselves on London Road, not exactly one of the main culinary destinations in the city. A poke of chips seemed like the best we could hope for. Then we walked by this curious small place, Janosik. A simple kitchen, some stools against the wall and enough room for eight people to sit down and enjoy their lunch.
Curiously kitsch with a soundtrack that could only be described as Polish power ballads, it had our attention. The menu is the type you see on holiday with pictures of the dishes and simple introductions to what’s available.
There’s your standard fast food – pizza, burgers. Balancing things out there are some healthy smoothies to try. The rest of the dishes are Polish and Slovakian favourites.
Cabbage salad sounded like a step to far but we wanted to try some of the signature dishes. We ordered kotlet do zboju which is chicken coated with flour, bacon and cheese. It arrived after a little wait, with a side of chips. Good, honest comfort food.
The quirky and occasionally odd Polish music playing over the stereo was proving to be an intriguing distraction as we waited for our szaszlyki, which turned out to be delicious, perfectly cooked skewers of beef and chicken served with some pickles, beetroot, salad and roast potatoes. Remarkably satisfying.
We left, glad that we’d discovered this little Polish gem.
