A chirpy doorman greeted us and we stepped down the first set of Art Deco steps to the front desk and then into the ruby red bar area. This semi circular room was a viewing gallery to the main floor.....which had the wow factor. Imagine the buzz of Cafe de Paris with glitzy gold fittings all centred around an oval low lit bar in the middle. To emphasise the modernity, a DJ was housed in an alcove at the far end instead of can can girls but it still created a great vibe.
The menu was sophiscated with a caviar and oyster section alongside starters and interesting mains.
I opted for a Spanish influenced starter of Red Wine Braised Octopus with Chorizo & Artichoke.
Three large tender pieces of the octopus were piled up on little chorizo discs and thin slices of artichoke with a frothy but delicious sauce. The taste was truly deep and fantastic.
My first choice of main was Lobster Cannelloni with Wilted Spinach which was accepted by the waiter then immediately I was advised, actually, that had just sold out.....gutted! I then opted for the next best fishy main which was Roasted Cod with Saffron Mussels and Leeks. The cod fillet was large and flaked perfectly. The mussels were sweet and flavoursome but felt the sauce was too buttery so made the dish a bit too rich.
A great and varied wine list allowed me a wonderful glass of Albariño to accompany my sea faring meal. Unfortunately too full up for dessert but I feel the octopus is well worth returning for and I'll pre-book the lobster in aswell!
If you want a special place to show off some killer heels and diamonds, look no further.
This Little Piggy Approves.