Exmouth Market Grind is seventh in the series

The ‘Grind’ brand is something of an iconic name nowadays, having racked up a bit of a history.

Dishes at Exmouth Market Grind - Credit: Exmouth Market Grind

Entrepreneur David Abrahamovitch and DJ Kaz James opened the first branch in 2011, slap bang on Silicon roundabout. It became a hit for serving coffee and cocktails around the clock.

Six years down to the line there are now nine outlets in the environs, as well as a recording studio and coffee roastery. The latest to pop up is in that foodie destination, Exmouth Market.

It’s flanked by enormous windows running across two sides of the restaurant, making the space bright and airy.

With a combination of white-washed exposed brickwork walls, marble tabletops, grey tiles and banquettes, low hanging orb lights – which our waiter kept bumping his head on - and the odd pale pink pop of colour – the overall look is modern, simple, and elegant. Grind’s biggest trademark is coffee, and here there’s a section on the cocktail list themed on it. Although I love the taste, I’ve got a cut-off point of 4pm – but my friend gave the Grind Espresso Martini the thumbs up. The Tommys with Tequila reposado, lime and agave syrup is refreshing.

Dishes at Exmouth Market Grind - Credit: Exmouth Market Grind

This is one of those places where you order a few sharing plates. They’re priced from £5 to £8, and we started off with a super healthy sprout panzanella with sun dried tomatoes, seeds and mint. The tempura-style fried green tomatoes got our seal of approval, and the heritage beetroot with burrata is also a winner. Our favourite was the chorizo-stuffed dates wrapped in crispy pancetta – a nice mélange of sweet and savoury. For the main course we share the deliciously fatty pork shoulder with polenta and apricots, at £22.

There’s an all day menu here from breakfast right through to dinner. grind.co.uk.