Elliott Kaye opened neighbourhood bar Marrion’s on Hackney’s Morning Lane on Friday 18 September. Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings, Marrion’s is intended as the kind of local haunt you can drop into for a drink at the bar or settle in for dinner. Kaye previously worked at Lyle’s, The French House and Leroy before opening Norman’s Cafe in 2020.
Founder, Elliott, comments: “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.”
The food has the same simple, nostalgic spirit as Norman’s: unfussy, comforting favourites done properly. Dishes (£5-£18) include Devilled Crab Rarebit; Pork Schnitzel Holstein with capers, anchovies and a fried egg; Moules Frites; Prawn Cocktail; a classic Cheeseburger; and a selection of cold cuts. Elliott’s favourite, the Tuna Melt, is also on the menu. Sides follow the same approach, including Fries with Malt Vinegar Mayo and a Waldorf Salad, with Tiramisu to finish.
Similarly straightforward, the drinks list includes cocktails (£10-£13) centred around much-loved classics, stripped back and simply made with quality ingredients. A house martini rotates monthly, launching with the ‘Puritan’, made with Yellow Chartreuse. A selection of Spanish vermouths has been chosen for easy, sessionable drinking over ice. The wine list is concise yet inclusive, bringing together bottles from some of the team’s favourite growers and importers, including Tutto Wines, Otros Vinos, Newcomer and Sager & Wine. Wines by the glass start from £5, with bottles from £30. On draught there’s one beer: Victoria Málaga, served in caña-style glasses.
Marrion’s is an intimate, dimly lit space designed to feel lived in, relaxed and familiar, reflecting the simple, comforting food and informal spirit of the bar. The interiors combine dark timber, cream walls, bistro-style flooring and vintage mirrors. A counter looking through a hatch into the kitchen sits at the heart of the room, making the space equally suited to an evening drink or sit down dinner. Bespoke furniture by Oscar Oliver Studio includes a long communal table, red-topped two-seater tables, stainless steel standing tables and a curved black bar with an integrated wine bucket. The team, many of whom have worked with Elliott previously, is kitted out in Danish brand Another Aspect.
Sunday brunch will launch in due course, with further details to be announced.
Marrion’s Bar is now open for walk-ins only.
Address: 177 Morning Lane, Hackney, E9 6LH