East Elevation

The mysterious unnamed red doors and the satisfying noise of the antique cocoa press and roaster make East Elevation seem like it has jumped off the pages of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The second venture of Thibault Fregoni of Monsieur Truffe places a greater emphasis on the process and production of the chocolate itself.

It's a welcoming space – albeit large and relatively minimal – that evokes simplicity with refine design qualities to couple a menu that is small but considered. Breakfast, lunch and ‘kids thingies’ are currently listed, along with typically French indulgences of croissants and freshly baked pastries.

The new Lygon Street space has been given a renewed lease of life that is both complimentary to the original fixtures and at the same time refreshingly re-designed to be beautifully light and relatively un-embellished. Untreated wood tables follow a uniform layout and work with the cherry blossom and bamboo to soften the factory-like space of concrete flooring and open brickwork.

Customers are encouraged to become involved and connected to what they are about to eat; seating overlooks the globally-sourced second-hand machinery from behind a purpose-built glass wall and there are windows carefully positioned to allow you to peep in and watch the experienced hands of the kitchen staff at work.