December
17
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LONDON EATERIES – Chamberlains of London – Beautiful Dining from the finest Culinary stable
Leadenhall Market is tucked neatly in a side road between Bishopsgate and London Bridge, it is a grand old favourite of City drinkers and shoppers who haunt the surrounding area. Its cobbled streets and high decorative arches are reminiscent of the grand old days of the city, before skyscrapers reached up into the night sky. Nestled away in this warren of high end shops and eateries is the wonderful Chamberlain’s of London – a well established brassiere style, four generation family restaurant which proves itself in providing an exceptional level of service and for the enjoyment of its many patrons. From my visit I can say that it is truly succeeding in this, this is a true hidden pearl and one to be savoured.
This is a true hidden pearl and one to be savoured.
We ventured there on a Tuesday night, not known especially as a busy night, but already by 7pm there was a large party in the front of the four floor restaurant. We were given a lovely private table and offered some bubbles and we gladly accepted the offer.
Along with the Prosecco, a surprise amuse bouche was served. Mine was an espresso size portion of velvety lobster bisque, which had been flavoured with Armagnac, accompanying a HUGE Irish Oyster dressed with shallot vinegar. My vegetarian friend had delightfully generous goats cheese cannolli, which was wonderfully light and not overpowering as goats cheese can sometimes be. A lovely unexpected start delivered with impeccable service.
Next up were our starters. I plumped for Scallop and Pig, which was a server of Hand Dived Orkney scallop, with Mangalitza brawn and lardo, served with burnt onion purée, crème fraiche and caviar. My companion opted for Pumpkin Velouté with truffle & wild mushroom beignet. Both of the dishes were exceptionally presented. The scallop dish was a true work of art, with the actual scallop presented hidden under a cloak of melting lardo. The dish was well sized and the scallop sweet, plump and simply divine. The Velouté was silky, smooth flavoursome and the beignet terrifically tasty. A GREAT start that left us salivating for more.
We weren’t waiting long as we were then served a very special pre main course each. I was served a thick piece of foie gras with pineapple relish and my guest was served a beautifully presented mushroom Carpaccio. The decedent levels of the foie gras were soon to hit higher heights, as I was soon to get the good fortune to have a fair covering of winter truffle shavings gifted to me by our lovely waiter. The foie gras was plump, buttery, rich beyond belief, silky and totally divine. The Carpaccio and goats cheese was also a winner, with thin slices of Carpaccio and a rich foamy mousse – lovely. We both felt enormously satisfied already and still we had the main event to come!
So leading on, I had ordered the partridge and my friend the curried cauliflower, which is bang on trend at the moment in culinary circles, so I believe! The partridge arrived roasted and garnished with salt baked celeriac, sprout tops, hazelnut, crispy potato and madeira jus. A glossy, deep satisfying jus, may I add. The partridge and celeriac are tried and tested flavours, but the salt bake added an extra dimension keeping it moist. The hazelnut accompaniment was a stroke of genius and texturally balanced the dish. My dining partner really enjoyed the cauliflower too – the curry flavour wasn’t too overpowering and the lime pickle put a real zing into the dish. We both found it a real innovative take on a vegetarian offering – to be honest all the vegetarian dishes were astoundingly imaginative. Again top marks!
Finally to dessert – and reluctantly I may add. Our experience was so good so far, we were really keen to see if they could keep up the standards to satiate our epicurean appetites! I opted for my usual Cheese board selection and my friend the apple crumble tart with ice cream, which came beautifully presented with a flower and dehydrated apple to garnish. She said she could have eaten it all day long and having tasted it, I have to agree. The dessert was not too sweet and the acidity well balanced. The wonderful head chef also popped over to say hello and see how we enjoyed our feast. Chef Andrew Jones is the 21st Roux Scholar, and his exemplary level of achievement was so apparent throughout every aspect of our meal. It was a pleasure to meet such a master of his craft.
A great end to a fabulous meal. We had a port to finish, after downing a bottle of perfectly lovely sauvignon blanc, we sashayed off into the noisy market night feeling spoiled and full. I can do nothing more but give this great restaurant a fully deserving five stars. The attention to detail is most apparent and the whole experience a real, cohesively luxurious affair. It’s a great place to treat yourself and others, as well as doing some serious business lunching and dining. Highly recommended.
Chamberlains of London, 23-25 Leadenhall Market EC3V 1LR
Cuisine: Seafood
http://www.chamberlainsoflondon.com/
Heart London 5 * Rating:
Food 5
Decor 5
Atmosphere 5
Service 5
Drinks 5
Emma, Heart London Magazine
Heart London Magazine 