Innovative Greek menu with Australian influence
essi (formally esti), the Greek-Australian kitchen, now holds a long term residency at iconic east London pub, The Adam & Eve pub in Homerton. The once tired dining room has had a stylish transformation, accentuating the pub’s original features. Tucked away behind the bar and away from the hubbub, the dining area offers a sit-down, restaurant experience. essi is open seven days a week.
essi’s menu is something to behold. The selection of snacks feature some essi classics. essi’s Saganaki Toastie has become a viral sensation, served with rainforest lime, ghee and thyme. The White Tarama, topped with Australian forest anise, comes with crispy potato skins for scooping. The Osso Bucco Bites with avocado feta dip and pickled onions is not to be missed. Spanakopita, the traditional flaky Greek snack is made with xigalo sour cheese and spinach and served with a fresh herb salad.
Twice fire-cooked lamb ribs are perfectly charred and served with Greek olive oil mashed potato. Fish of the day comes with the moreish garlic-spiked Greek dip skordalia. Smokey coal-charred aubergine is finished with pomegranate, fried peanuts, curry leaves and tahini. Octopus is presented as a bolognese, slow cooked with Australian bush tomato, graviera cream cheese, desert dust (an Australian spice blend) and served with pasta.
If there’s room for dessert, the Galaktobouriko is an ode to Kostas’ mother. The family recipe is piping hot dish of vanilla semolina custard topped with crispy filo pastry and pashmak; a form of Iranian candy floss. An indulgent end to the meal.
The bar menu features classic chicken and pork souvlaki, served with the traditional trimmings in fluffy pita. The pub burger has been given an essi makeover, complete with yogurt tartare and tomato jam in a potato bun.
Sundays are a big day in the essi kitchen; a celebration of traditional Greek fire cooking. Served in a roast dinner format, meat and vegetables options are cooked over a charcoal spit. Choose from pork shoulder, Suffolk lamb, chicken thighs or BBQ mushrooms, all served with roast potatoes, roast pumpkin, bbq cauliflower, grilled pita, tzatziki, Aegean slaw and lemon & oregano gravy. A very satisfying Sunday indeed.
essi’s Founder, Kostas Vais has a deep passion for his Greek heritage, heavily influenced by the nostalgic cooking of his mother and yiayia (grandmother). With his experience in food and beverage in Australia, Kostas has lovingly combined both elements to offer a Greek-inspired dining experience alongside warm Australian hospitality.
essi champions ingredient-led cooking, sourcing the best of British seasonal produce. Kostas sources a small selection of Australian herbs and spices for essi’s menu. Those such as lemon myrtle, finger lime, and forest anise are indigenous to the country, adding a distinctive dynamic to the food.
essi was last seen at TT Liquor in the summer of 2023. Pop ups in New York and Brighton quickly followed, with Kostas’ attention to detail and generous hospitality gaining essi a loyal following.
The Adam & Eve large horseshoe pub has a rich history dating back to the 18th century and features an impressive image of Adam & Eve on the facade. In the 70s, the pub became favoured by those in the Teddy Boy revival. These days, indie bands and DJs frequent The Adam & Eve, often competing on the pub’s unusual L-shaped pool table.