Marrion’s is now open on Morning Lane in Hackney, founded by Elliott Kaye.
The menu includes devilled crab rarebit, pork schnitzel holstein and a tuna melt.
Drinks include a monthly house martini and wines from four named suppliers.
Norman’s Cafe founder Elliott Kaye heads to Morning Lane with a neighbourhood bar built around comfort food.
Hackney has no shortage of places to settle in for a drink, but Marrion’s is making its case with tuna melts, rotating martinis and a thoroughly welcoming approach. Now open on Morning Lane, the neighbourhood bar is the latest venture from Elliott Kaye, whose career includes time at Lyle’s, The French House and Leroy.
Kaye opened Norman’s Cafe in Archway in 2020, putting nostalgic British food at the centre of the experience. At Marrion’s, that affection for familiar dishes continues, with a menu that moves between pub favourites, café staples and European bistro classics.
Devilled crab rarebit offers a seafood spin on the comforting original, while pork schnitzel holstein comes with capers, anchovies and a fried egg. Elsewhere, diners can choose moules frites, prawn cocktail, a classic cheeseburger or a selection of cold cuts. Kaye’s personal favourite, the tuna melt, also makes the cut. On the side, there are fries with malt vinegar mayonnaise and a Waldorf salad, keeping the nostalgic theme running through the menu.
Drinks follow a similarly classic direction. A house martini will change each month, beginning with the Puritan, made with yellow chartreuse. Wine drinkers can explore a list featuring selections from Tutto Wines, Otros Vinos, Newcomer and Sager & Wine.
The room takes its cues from the kind of neighbourhood establishment that feels familiar from the first visit. Dark timber and cream walls sit alongside bistro-style flooring and vintage mirrors, while bespoke furniture comes courtesy of Oscar Oliver Studio. Red-topped tables for two create spots for dinner and conversation, complemented by stainless steel standing tables. A curved black bar, complete with an integrated wine bucket, anchors the space.
The founder, Elliott Kaye, said: “I wanted Marrion’s to be somewhere I’d actually want to go – somewhere you can have a drink, eat something good and feel at home. Nothing too fussy or pretentious. I’ve always loved places like The Odeon in New York: warm, convivial and a bit buzzy. Opening in Hackney felt like a no-brainer. Morning Lane has something special about it, and the energy between Well Street and Hackney Central felt like the perfect fit for what we’re trying to do.”
There is more on the way, too. A Sunday brunch menu is planned, with details still to be announced. For now, Marrion’s opens Wednesday to Saturday from 6.30pm until late and operates on a walk-in-only basis.
Where: Marrion’s, 177 Morning Lane, Hackney, E9 6LH
When: Wednesday to Saturday from 6:30pm until late
Contact: @marrionslondon