A Street Cafe Experience at Neal’s Yard
By Kim Ji-soo
Staff Reporter
Neal's Yard in Itaewon is unique in its concept of creating the look of a London street in an indoor cafe and pitches a cute, stylish decor to ambience-sensitive customers.
Indeed, the quaint lamp posts, the kiosk-like kitchen and the wide terrace by the window overlooking the main street in Itaewon have all made a quite convincing street-side cafe. For those preferring a cozier space, a private room is also available. The glass ceilings funneled warm sunlight into the room, creating a snug and homely effect.
Orders were made at the counter, although servers delivered the food. The menu mainly consisted of light meals and desserts, such as quiche, sandwiches, cakes and waffles.
The two brunch sets are offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We ordered the Brunch B set (14,000 won), which consisted of 2 plain waffles (with maple syrup and whipped cream), grilled onions in balsamic, egg, bacon, mini sausage, boiled potato, salad and a choice of drink. Despite its variety, the meal was portioned rather lightly, especially when it came to the size of the waffles.
The vegetarian salad (12,000 won) with balsamic dressing, was fairly fresh and came with multigrain bread and a choice of either coffee or orange juice. The quiche set (12,500 won), accompanied by a salad and a choice of drink, was a lot more pleasing, with its savory filling and moist crust.
The multi-berry waffle (13,500 won), topped with strawberry ice cream and whipped cream, was soft and fluffy, although not hugely exciting. The frozen berries were a major flaw, serving as mere decorations. However, all coffees were pleasantly served in big mugs with refills for 1,000 won.
Although dishes were delivered, the place was basically self-service. Also, the tables lacked basic amenities, such as napkins, sugar and salt, requiring rather bothersome trips to the counter.
Despite its shortcomings, the sidewalk cafe interior was a delicious treat for the eyes. For those looking for a cute cafe to have a leisurely chat, Neal's Yard is an ideal spot.
To get to Neal's Yard, go out from exit 1 of Itaewon Station and walk about 50 meters forward. Located on the second floor of the building above a Samsonite shop on the first floor. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 794-7278.
Kim Hyo-jin, Korea Times intern, assisted in reporting for this article.