PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAUliveto is tucked away in the corner of a hotel block, with a tiny interior from where the food and coffee magically appears to be deftly ferried to the spread of tables that have colonised the tiled outdoor terrace. Some of the seating is at Bayswater road level and if you like people watching it’s not a bad vantage point, however if you prefer not to look at Kings Cross over breakfast there is a slightly sunken level that protects you from the unsavoury sight of 24-hour party people departing in last night’s rumpled clothes. The Cross may seem like a bit of a strange place to head to first thing in the morning but, as the nearby Potts Point has taught us: have good food, will travel. I had heard that the omelettes are a must-try and they didn’t disappoint: a great big fold-over stuffed with whatever you want, with chipolatas and other knick-knacks on the side.
The breakfast menu also earns points for diverging from the norm. Poached fruit bruschetta and Welsh rarebit are a nice change, the latter really hitting the spot with five bite-sized savoury discs heavily flavoured with good, mature cheddar and enough Dijon to really get up your nose. Lunchtime brings on the sandwiches, salads and pastas all brought to you by professional and personable staff. Another interesting item is the buttermilk smoothie, which has a deliciously tangy aftertaste that is similar to yoghurt, but smoother and sweeter. In all it is a worthwhile journey, especially on a nice, sunny day.
Sarah Theeboom