Arbutus

We did the ‘early-bird’ pre-theatre offer on a busy Friday night and the food was excellent. The set menu was very good value for money (stops at 7pm) for the food quality. It was a busy night, so lots of tables of two packed into the space, but the service was very good with lots of personality. I'm pregnant and couldn't have either of the dessert options on the set menu (one contained raw eggs, the other soft cheese- both no-no's when pregnant) but it was explained that these were the choices, and so anything else would be additional charge. So, we were charged extra for my dessert.

It's a shame they charge extra to cater to special dietry requirements, as most restaurants are flexible with coming up with alternatives.

Although having said that, I'd go again but check the menu beforehand.

We went here for my partners birthday. I expected great things from Arbutus due to the reports and was really disappointed. It was my next worst experiance to Langans in London and that hasn't had any of money since as this place wont be either.
Its a strange place and it just doesnt tick the boxes, The food really isnt much kop for the money, the venue is very lifeless and plastic and bright and the design poor and the staff just arnt very good.
But what really got me was when the bill arrived by falling from the sky onto the table. No i hadnt asked for the bill and it arrived? it was just plain rude and not on with a half full room. Poor show and wrong.
If you want a decent French meal in Soho get yourself down the road to the French House it knocks spots of Arbutus and is a all round more enjoyable and a far better experiance. The French House has been there for a long time but I get the feeling Arbutus might not see out 2010.

This was by far the finest meal I've had in all of my visits to London. And at 17.50 pounds, it was quite a bargain. When I saw the menu, I wondered what the chef meant by “crispy pork cheeks,” for the description seemed oximoronic. Cheeks are unctuous, not crisp. The dish was revelatory, the first example of the chef's masterful juxtaposition of textures. A generous portion of shredded unctuous pork cheek was served between two thin round crisp pork cheek wafers. Brilliant! The brandade that followed was not the washed-out unsalty version so often served today. Perfect! Fine Morbiere and and apple toppped panna cotta (there were two persons sharing the meal) rounded out a superb meal. Let's not forget the wine which was served in 250 ml carafes. It was a most memorable experience.

I am a bit behind with my review of Arbutus, my husband and I went there in April, but here it is: We had wanted to go for a while and expectations were quite high. After having cocktails at Sanderson we were looking forward to a lovely dinner.

We got a nice table and were quickly introduced to both menu and wine list. The restaurant was quite busy but not full. We had a nice glass of champagne while we decided on the menu and wine.

My husband decided to go for pork belly with red onion jam ravioli followed by stuffed saddle of rabbit and tapioca with mango for dessert. I ordered razor clams, beef bavette and cheese.

When you go to a Michelin starred restaurant you kind of expect the food and service to be extraordinary good. My husband liked his starter, but there wasn’t anything “Michelin” over it. The razor clams were gorgeous but towards the end of the dish I had sand in my mouth, which I don’t like – Michelin or not.

The starters must have been called away midway, because our mains arrived just after the waiter had cleared the table. It felt very… More

last week I had to go to “that London” again for a meeting. It was an early Monday meeting so I travelled early Sunday (25/01/09) to enable me to find a nice lunch and stay overnight (ok I got a good deal at the Travelodge for the night!)

Anyway, it was miserable and raining in London. As I walked under my “brolly” I passed several places where I could have had lunch, the “Branded” chains, some local restaurants with “traditional” Sunday Lunch, and a variety of International cuisine places where I could eat for around a tenner. Perusing the menus displayed I was uninspired.
so I headed for the multi award winning and Michelin starred Arbutus .This is one of the Michelin starred restaurants open on a Sunday. Seats are very comfortable upholstered “bench” against the wall but chaired on the other side, each table is suitable for two but combined next to each other makes up to the size of the group (there was a group of a dozen near me). Smart but unfussy decor, neat with mats on the table, not tablecloths.
Pris Fixe menu for lunch offers three courses with two… More