Organic almonds had been soaked in water for 24 hours, before they were blitzed in a nutribullet with fresh water, turmeric, cardamom and dates. Then, they were strained through fine muslin to create an almond milk that was destined for our goody bags.
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I didn't know this as I drove along the seafront on my way to a Mews in Hove where the pop-up brunch was just about to start. Instead, I was wondering what pop-up dining was all about and who actually goes pop-up brunching.
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It was going to be my first ever pop-up meal, it was early on a Saturday and I had no idea what to expect. I had found out about it from Tabl.com who run a site that brings supper club hosts and diners together.
The pop-up supper club idea has been around for a while so I was trying to work out why I had been reticent to try one.
I love trying new food and going to new places so it wasn't because of either of those reasons.
As I walked up the quiet cobbled street to the coffee roastery I was feeling a little fuzzy, I'd left without having my first coffee and was still a bit bunged up from a lingering cold.
As I walked up the quiet cobbled street to the coffee roastery I was feeling a little fuzzy, I'd left without having my first coffee and was still a bit bunged up from a lingering cold.
Pop-ups by their very nature can happen anywhere and this one had been arranged at a three-month old coffee roastery called Pharmacie Coffee Roasters.
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The Coffee Roastery had two rooms and the pop-up was to take place in the back where a log burner had been lit and a table was set for us Brunch diners. The table had been loaded with twenty brown paper goody bags, along with pots of granola, cherry compot and yoghurt and a bowl of muffins.
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One of the hosts Henry came up to say Hi and find out what I wanted to drink. I had come on my own and I was feeling shy. Yep, that's why I hadn't made it to one before.
Nevermind, a little backwardness in coming forward never hurt anyone and besides I really really wanted a coffee and juice.
At home I'm known as three-drink-Sarah (catchy I know), for my inclination to have three drinks on the go with my meal. So, with fresh orange, carrot and ginger juice and a flat white on their way, I also grabbed a water glass for my final drink to take with my meal.
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Feeling a little awkward I looked at the long table and wondered whether I'd be seated next to friendly sorts. Meanwhile it was time to check out what was on the menu and to try one of the lemon and poppyseed muffins that were on the table in front of me. Made with spelt flour, almond milk, honey and eggs, they had been made with low gluten ingredients and natural, unrefined sugars by our hosts, One Supper Club.
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Scanning the list I could see Nordic spiced porridge, grilled banana bread and avocado on toast. Each of these options sounded interesting although I didn't know what made porridge Nordic.
I had also started chatting to the people on either side of me and the room was filling up. There was a quiet morning hum. Despite the number of people gathered there was definitely that feeling of unhurried dining that suits an early meal.
I wanted to try everything and luckily for me my fellow diners felt the same. Grilled banana bread arrived covered in ricotta, honey and pecan. The honey had bits of honeycomb in it and the banana bread was warm and delicious.
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Next to me Kirsty ordered Nordic spiced porridge with apple and raisin. The spices used were turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, a traditional combination used in Nordic cooking when the weather is cold. The presentation of each dish as it arrived looked delightful.
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To my right, Elisa ordered avocado on sourdough toast with lemon, black pepper and chilli. The portions were generous and Elisa was happy to share. This tasted great too.
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Further round the table others tucked into toasted sourdough with salted pecan butter and slow cooked baked beans on toast. More juices appeared on the table, more coffees, more avocado on toast. There was a feeling of abundance and wholesomeness about the food.
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It was time for me to leave, my parking ticket was up and I couldn't eat any more. I peeked inside my goody bag to see what it contained and found a bottle of almond milk with dates, turmeric and cardamon, plus a brunch bar of oats, coconut, raisins and sunflower seeds and a discount offer for my next Tabl.com supper.
The brunch cost me £20 and I enjoyed my experience thoroughly. I thought the food was delicious and it was a very friendly gathering. They've got loads of events coming up in Brighton and London and they've got one really soon on 14 February that includes a screening of Cinema Paradiso.
Let me know in the comments if you've been solo dining too and whether you'd do it again.
Pharmacie Coffee Roasters, 18 Cambridge Grove, Hove BN3 3ED
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