Fat Sam’s 227

Fat Sam’s 227 is the latest diner/​café/​grease-​up to hit the Highbury hood. It’s an «American-​themed» joint that sells everything from your normal fry-​up breakfast to American-​style pancakes, sandwiches, burgers and more. I decided to try it out this morning as I was really hankering for a proper American filter coffee and some hash browns following a cocktail-​infused Christmas party the night before. The décor is simple and basic, like your average greasy spoon, but it appeals in its own way. The servers are really nice, albeit still clearly learning the ropes and creasing out the kinks in service. But for a new joint, that’s expected and I wouldn’t hold it against them. Food-​wise, the grub was alright. If compared to any quick fry-​up joint or worker’s café, it holds its own, but I will say that the «American theme» is a bit of a stretch. Yes, they have pancakes, but this is only 1 section of the breakfast menu… Americans don’t just eat pancakes for breakfast (Man vs Food can teach anyone that!), and overall, most of the breakfast choices were pretty British i.e. eggs and sausage with beans and stewed tomatoes and chips with omelettes… this does not equal an American breakfast. Where are the scrambles, the corned beef hash, bottomless coffees and fruit cup sides? I understand that they’re trying to appeal to a wide range of British customers, but what i’d suggest is at least having 1 Yankee-​style breakfast other than a plate of pancakes on the menu… if I saw a wider selection I’d have more confidence in Sam’s All American theme, but right now it just seems a little bit confused. They do offer American lunch and dinner options as well, but if i’m really honest, given the ambiance, décor and vibe, this is a hangover breakfast place… so nailing that brunch menu should be a priority.
All in all, Fat Sam’s is alright… for a British fry-​up the food is tasty enough, but for an American diner, even Denny’s is running laps around this place. It’s nice to see another independent business in Highbury and I sincerely wish it well… just get that theme sorted out and I might just pop in for another try.