Scan Magazine

By Lee-Ann Cameron | Photos: 1 Lombard Street

The restaurant’s website proclaims the motto: “seeing is deceiving, it’s eating that’s believing” and I know from my experience that the team at 1 Lombard Street will not be eating their words!

Upon entering the Grade II listed neo-classical former banking hall, we were drawn to the circular bar glowing underneath the domed skylight designed by Pietro Agostini.  The brasserie surrounds the bar and seats up to two hundred people, whilst the more intimate restaurant seats forty and is subtly situated at the back of the building.

After walking through the brasserie and past the bar, diners in the restaurant are quickly enveloped in a calm and sophisticated oasis.  The atmosphere is quiet but there is a hint of excitement and drama that foreshadows the Michelin star rating and the chef’s creations.

The restaurant menu is innovative and varied.  We began with a friendly amuse-bouche of potato, celeriac and garlic soup served in a tiny ceramic mug.  The sommelier paired our orders with a lovely pinot noir and his knowledge and charm will surely help any guest make a selection from the impressive wine list.  My appetizer was a carpaccio of tuna with vinaigrette of black radish, ginger, lime and coriander.

Each slice of tuna was intricately decorated with alternating black and white sesame seeds placed in a perfect line down the middle.  The depth of care and presentation was a brilliant start to the chef’s offerings.

My partner had the tasty trio of Cornish crab with tomato and basil vinaigrette, brown crab meat puree and a bloody Mary sorbet.  We were then presented with one of the most delectable treats I have ever tasted – one succulent langoustine bathed in a rich aromatic lobster reduction, a perfect marriage of soft and intense tastes!  I continued my meal with beautifully cooked roast monkfish, leeks and sauce bordelaise served with a potato fondant.

The main for my partner was a fillet of veal with caramelised fois gras, fricassee of sweetbreads, sorrel and champagne – food fit for a king!  To cleanse our palates, we were given a fresh pear granita.

And finally, for dessert, we were served a glass of pinot gris, to enjoy with my feuillantine of caramelised granny smith apples with Guinness ice cream and my partner’s roast pineapple with Sichuan pepper, vanilla, lime, ginger syrup and coconut sorbet.  The feast of flavours we were spoiled with made us eager to visit the restaurant again but curious to sample the brasserie menu as well.

Whether you’re looking to have a classy cocktail after work or indulge in an elegant and impressive dinner, 1 Lombard Street is a first class destination!

1 Lombard Street, London EC3V 9AA | Telephone: 02079296611 | www.1lombardstreet.com