Breakfast with Alex Hely-hutchinson, Of 26 Grains

Breakfast with Alex Hely-hutchinson, Of 26 Grains



Since
we first named her London’s ‘Queen of Porridge’ back in December, 26 Grains
owner Alex Hely-Hutchinson has been hard at work scattering her
grains even further across the city. She founded the company in
2014, making her mark on the pop-up scene with temporary
residencies at cafés, coffee shops and wellness events, as well as
a stint at Old Street Tube station. Alex celebrates the humble
grain with a menu of seasonal, inventive flavour concoctions like
porridge with beetroot, sour cream and walnut, or roasted plums
with coconut yogurt and pistachio. Where possible, grains grown on
English soil are used, as well as locally sourced fruit and
vegetables. If your experience of porridge has so far been confined
to the good old banana and honey combo, 26 Grains shows just what
can be done with a bit of imagination.

There’s a real confidence amongst females in this industry

In recent months, 26 Grains has continued storming the pop-up
scene with office residencies at Vogue, Glamour and House &
Garden, as well as filling the shelves of Ben’s House and Psycle
London. When we went to meet her she was fresh from catering an
H&M press day in central London. “The brand’s growing up!” she
says. “I feel like working by yourself gives you a certain
confidence to approach different people, and aim high.”



As of June, Alex will be opening up shop for a year right in the
heart of London’s most whimsical square, Neal’s Yard. “I feel so
fortunate. It’s an opportunity to test the market, it’s where I’ve
always dreamed of the business going,” she tells us. “I think the
whole of London is moving away from tailoring to tourism. People
are more interested than ever in every day joys, and things that
have been really considered. Especially in food. People are giving
small business like mine a chance. I think this area is great for
that, I’m really excited to be a part of it.”

Amongst the patchwork of coloured doors and windows, the new 26
Grains store will serve granola, risotto, muesli and, of course,
porridge. Alex will also use the site to host supperclubs and
workshops with local businesses. “It finally feels like there’s a
real confidence amongst females in this industry. It’s the perfect
time for young women to start a venture of their own,” Alex
says.

Look out for 26 Grains’ new home as of June. And if you haven’t
sampled one of Alex’s grainy creations yet, be sure to get there
quick. You wouldn’t want to risk missing out on a bowl of
blackberry, rosemary and almond butter porridge, would you now?

Alex’s Top Breakfast Spots in London

COOPER
AND WOLF

TUCKSHOP

MALTBY ST
MARKET

GRANGER AND
CO.

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