Mem & Laz Brasserie 8 Theberton St London N1 0qx

There’s a certain magic to finding that one local spot that feels like an extension of your own living room, but with better lighting and a serious cocktail program. Mem & Laz Brasserie, tucked away on Theberton Street in N1, is precisely that kind of place. It’s the kind of address you want to keep as a secret, yet can’t help but share with everyone you meet.

First Impressions & Vibe

Stepping off the bustle of Upper Street, you’re immediately transported. The warm, wood-paneled interior and soft amber glow feel intentionally intimate. It leans into a classic Parisian brasserie aesthetic, but with a distinctly North London playfulness.

The soundtrack is a curated mix of French chanson and modern indie, never too loud. This isn’t a place for a roaring, chaotic night out; it’s for savouring—a long lunch, a slow date, or a solo afternoon with a book and a glass of something excellent.

The Food: Simple, Done Right

The menu doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s its greatest strength. Think steak frites with a peppercorn sauce that demands to be mopped up, or a perfectly flaky tarte tatin that arrives still warm from the kitchen.

They focus on French brasserie classics, executed with high-quality British ingredients. The duck confit is a standout—crispy skin, impossibly tender meat—and the moules marinières are a bowl of pure, coastal comfort. Don’t skip the side of their creamy, garlicky pommes purée; it’s practically a dessert.

Fun Fact

Did you know the building itself has a previous life as a Victorian bakery? The original brick ovens are still visible behind the bar area. It adds a lovely layer of history to every bite of their crusty bread.

Drinks & The Art of the Aperitif

The cocktail list is a love letter to the apéritif culture. A classic Kir Royale or a crisp Pastis feels right, but their signature ‘Mem & Laz Spritz’ is a refreshing, slightly herbaceous twist that’s dangerously drinkable.

They also have a carefully selected wine list, with a focus on small French producers. Ask for a recommendation—the staff are genuinely knowledgeable and happy to guide you without any pretension.

Practical Tip

Go during the weekday lunch service (12–3pm). You’ll find a dedicated “Formule Rapide” menu: two courses for a very reasonable price. It’s the perfect way to sample the kitchen’s strengths without the evening buzz (or the evening bill).

Cultural Reference Points

This place has the quiet confidence of a scene from a Jacques Audiard film—think Rust and Bone with softer lighting. It’s the brasserie you imagine Amélie Poulain would visit if she’d moved to London for a creative job.

It embodies that very French concept of “joie de vivre”—the simple pleasure of good food, good company, and time well spent. There’s no rush, no agenda, just a gentle invitation to be present.

A Connection to Daily Life

In a city that often rewards speed and efficiency, Mem & Laz Brasserie is a gentle rebellion. It whispers that taking an hour for a proper lunch isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for a balanced life. The experience reminds you that the best moments aren’t planned; they’re savoured, bite by bite, in a warm room with a cold drink.

So, next time you’re crossing the canal in Islington, take a detour down Theberton Street. Pull up a chair, order a glass of something chilled, and let the world slow down for a moment. That’s what Mem & Laz is made for—a small, delicious pause in your everyday story.