Exquisite, exemplary, fine dining of the first order
A thoroughly excellent experience. We opted for the 6 course 'surprise menu at £85 per head as we feared the full tasting experience would be too much. Overall we feel this restaurant deserves 2 Michelin stars.
The ambience was a bit different to other Michelin restaurants we've been at. There was quite a funky soundtrack in the background, and a lively decor with a wonderful chandelier made out of wine glasses.
Service from the off was professional, discreet, and welcoming. The only negative we could offer is that they did not come to remove breadcrumbs from the table between courses.
We opted for the matched wines which was an excellent choice. Every glass was superb, and the measures were generous not parsimonious as we have experienced at some other Michelin starred restaurants (notably L'Enclume).
The amouse-bouches of a choux pastry bun filled with Brie and topped with black truffle was AMAZING. The beef tartare in a crisp cracker was good. The tomato salad with respectively booster or whipped cream cheese were lovely. Better still - and the standout course for both of us - was the white crab on a pannacotta of brown crab; and the beetroot, hibiscous and goat cheese tart.
The main course of BBQ and roasted saddle of lamb was lovely with a courgette flower stuffed with neck of lamb. The accompanying sauces of red pepper and harissa was quite sharp; the courgette and basil less so.
The "ice-cream" parlour was a witty ice-cream cart with three mini cones containing a variety of unusual flavours, culminating in the Jersey brown butter version which was sublime.
The second 'stand out' course of the evening was the Mojito Dome, which was an incredible concoction of tart, zesty, interesting and challenging flavours. My partner who avowedly dislikes desserts proclaimed this the best dessert she had ever had.
Our overall view was this restaurant deserves 2 Michelin stars. Service was excellent, although there was still room for a little improvement. The tasting menu and matching wines worked extremely well and there was not a hint of disappointment over the matched wines.
Vibe 9/10 (we are not really fans of background Muzak, even if it is funky)
Cooking 9/5/10
Service 8.5/10
Would we go back? In a heartbeat.