Olive Three, Wood Green

https://olivethree.co.uk
3 Salisbury Road
London
N22 6NL
Wood Green is not somewhere awash with bougie brunch spots. It has resisted the waves of gentrification that some of its nearby neighbours have fallen to, so when my girlfriend suggests we try and find somewhere that serves a vegan English breakfast, I’m sceptical. Greasy spoons or burger bars, yes - somewhere that tailors to my middle class proclivities? Maybe not!

A Google of the aforementioned foodie phrase unveils a brunch spot just a few roads away and I’m a little bemused at the fact this supposed scene is on the middle of a residential road, away from the high street or shopping areas surrounding us, and it supposedly has vegan food to boot. Still, I’m nothing if not curious and am only too happy to venture along to see what’s what.

Lo and behold, here - snuggled between a news agent and an offie - Olive Three is a secluded snug of immaculate Mediterranean vibes with a glass front and tiled mosaic flooring to let the sunlight in and provide a glorious setting for sunny-day food and drink. It’s a bizarre oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the high street and shopping setting, creating a laconic vibe for a gloriously sunny, yet fresh, March Sunday.

The sign for Allpress Espresso proudly displayed at the front entrance gives me further faith in this adventure. A speciality roaster known for their even, sweet and full bodied coffee, I take a seat and order an oat latte alongside the hearty breakfast I’d been craving and both come quickly, served with aplomb and suitable presentation that lets you know this is a cut above your average cafe.

Ambling from table to table, looking for a spot to lounge in and soak up the rays, a gorgeous Pekinese with a teddy bear cut toddles from place to place, only too happy to have her belly scratched by patrons and well wishers.
There is something so magnificent about discovering somewhere new and unexpected in London, and to find this little gem so close to where I regularly spend my weekends seems almost too perfect, I’m almost reticent to let others in on the secret!