MI + ME, St Pancras

As one of the busiest stations in the UK (if not potentially, the world), the last place you’d expect to find a rather tranquil, quirky cafe is St Pancras. Filled to the brim with chain eateries galore, it offers a pretty unexciting selection for passing traffic and regular travellers.

However, every cloud has a silver lining, as they say. I recently visited The St Pancras Hotel’s very own Gilbert Scott restaurant, with incredible fine dining cuisine and a wonderful atmosphere (this review can be read here). It was the perfect place for a really special kind of reunion and situated in a great location if you’re travelling from afar (no fiddling about with the tubes – as it’s in the station itself). However, for something less formal – I decided to try the hotel’s other offering – MI + ME, their new ‘urban deli’.

Located on the Grand Terrace and overlooking the famous ‘Meeting Place’ statue (the two very loved up commuters, you know the one), MI + ME has a simple, yet interesting menu and a really relaxed feel. With two main focal points – MILK and MEAT (hence the name) – what’s on offer is sure to appease every the fussiest of diners (me included).

Upon arrival, we were seated at one of the outdoor tables (the best place to sit for plenty of people watching) and kindly taken through the menu. Our waiter was so helpful and friendly and we felt like old friends, rather than guests, which when in a location where people are dashing from one place to another, was a welcome addition. Two glasses of sparkling wine, a jar of pickles and a large bottle of water were brought over, to accompany our menu perusal.

I’d heard on the grapevine that their mac and cheese was out-of-this-world-incredible, so although I knew I couldn’t eat it (damn you lactose intolerance), I persuaded Danielle into trying it for blog and photography purposes. It arrived, steaming in a little pot and laden with a creamy, stringy sauce and breadcrumbs. If that wasn’t good enough, two sticks of garlic buttered bread are included – in case you fancy using it as a dipping sauce. Mmmm…

Danielle concluded that it was indeed as incredible as expected, while I made do with a sniff.

Cheese torture over, it was time for the main course – a grilled chicken and homemade slaw burger each (although me without the slaw) and triple cooked chips (it didn’t say this was what they were on the menu, but it’s how they tasted!). This was probably the best thing I’ve had in a long time, washed down with swigs of light, fruity wine. Burgers and wine, things just couldn’t get any better.

Or could they?

MI + ME only have one dessert on their menu, but it’s a masterpiece and deserving of standing alone as an offering – because I’m sure once you’ve had a bite, you won’t want anything else. It photographed very well – but I’m sure it tasted even better! Since meringues and cream fall into my ‘can’t have’ category, I was kindly given a generous bowl of strawberries and melon, as they didn’t want me to miss out on a dessert after my meal.

We left feeling very satisfied. Full up, but not waddling to our train – which is an undesirable effect of any meal (regardless of how delicious). Despite such a central, amazing location – the prices of the food really weren’t bad at all and I’d happily dine there again, although next time – with a big group of friends, as I’d love to share how brilliant it is with more people!

If you’re passing through or planning a meeting with friends, I’d take a look at this place if you want somewhere casual, affordable and quirky – but don’t wish to compromise on amazing food! It’s open for lunch and for dinner – and you won’t need to book (we dined around 4pm and there were plenty of tables).

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