It's all about family and food at this bustling Angel restaurant.

The Venue
Situated on a side street just off Upper Street, Mem and Laz blends in well with the shop fronts nearby, except for the mass row of furniture that lines the abandoned buildings alongside it. Secured below awnings you're safe from showers but choose to go within and the warmth remains. Clustered clutter hangs from the walls but its actually fairly difficult to notice anything at all because of the challenge of finding your way through the dozens of cramped tables, using every single bit of available space. There's also a second floor that holds yet more tables and swiftly whisks you into a calmer environment than what lies beaneath.

The Atmosphere
Mem and Laz reminds you of your local pub - a place you grow an allegiance to that keeps you coming back - and there's a welcoming family feel and warm reception each time you visit. Outside it's all about the café culture that seems to only be able to sustain itself here and there in London. Inside, the manic dining experience is separated by the two floors that help to keep two distinctly different experiences. Families fill the bottom floor, so if you're averse to young children then attempt to head straight upstairs where there’s a more mature atmosphere and a bit more peace and quiet.

The Food
The a la carte menu goes some way to explaining how busy it gets here, with two course (£7.95) or three course (£9.95) options taken from a huge menu. If it was all about quantity then it's a thumbs up but it's unfortunately not. However, Mem and Laz still surprises with the general quality and although this isn't fine dining by any means you’ll get a mix of comfortable classics.

There's tagliatelle with grilled chicken breast, filo pastry parcels, marinated lamb chops and Mem's special pasta - a concoction of grilled tomatoes, pesto and spaghetti with a rich cream sauce. Also, somewhat peculiarly on this Mediterranean menu, there’s sausage and mash, full English and roasts on Sundays. It might not be concise, but there's something for everyone.

The Drink
They keep a selection of imported bottled lagers and a small range of spirits and the wine list is good value. Steer clear of the coffee afterwards, with the latte tasting like the espresso had been through the machine sometime last year.

The Last Word
This is a place for family and friends to grab some cheap food, so if you're looking for something a little more intimate, it's probably best to try somewhere else.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (9)