Plates review: Great British Menu winner reimagines nostalgic dishes at Shoreditch restaurant

Great British Menu winner, and chef, Kirk Haworth added a twist to some classic childhood meals and treats this week as his Shoreditch plant-based restaurant Plates trialed a nostalgic menu.

In partnership with refurbished tech marketplace Back Market, Plates tested a mix of ‘refurbished’ dishes inspired by iconic British classics that Brits deem the most nostalgic including Angel Delight, Arctic Roll, and lasagna.

I was one of the lucky few invited down to the restaurant to try the array of classic dishes which felt like true honour seeing as Plates has basically been booked up ever since it opened over the summer. (I’ve been told it even has reservations well into the new year!)

Starting off with a classic Salt & Shake crisps just like the beloved Walkers version the snack was served with a sachet of salt to sprinkle on top.

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The next nostalgic dish was a fruit salad which unlike the orange juice and mix of grapes, kiwi and pineapple I remember having at school, the Plates version but a spin on the recipe by incorporating an often forgotten fruit, tomatoes.

The fish finger sandwich was another snack ‘refurbished’ on Plates’ menu as they served up a ‘Zero fish’ version and it was so much better than the sarnies I remember growing up. 

A staple on their current menu, Plates also served up their take on the classic garlic bread and lasagne which of course was topped heavily with a creamy cheese sauce. 

If that wasn’t enough nostalgic foods, desert came in the form of angel delight and an arctic roll. 

While the classic offerings won’t be joining Plates’ menu, the restaurant which is around the corner from Old Street station has an array of nature inspired seasonal dishes to try.

Reservations can be booked via the Plates website although there is limited availability up until February 2025.