CORE blimey! London's hottest new venue has raised the bar

The calm before the storm - dancefloor beware!

To find a chic, relaxing, stylish joint in the throngs of the City scene in London, contrary to popular opinion, is not so easy.

Sure, there are numerous bars and pubs that profess to provide a funky, after-work vibe that can extend into the late evening, but how many can provide a relaxing and attentive feel while at the same time feeling like party central?.

Well, London's hottest new venue, Core (Aldermary House 10-15 Queen Street, City of London, EC4N 1TX) is the place to head to. Open Monday-Friday to the general public (Saturdays and Sundays can be hired out), Core offers an extensive drinks menu, as well as a cultured and classy lunch and evening dining menu.

The bar was formerly called Apt, but for past regulars, the new establishment will open your eyes to a more modern and relaxed way of socialising.

Our first impressions on approaching the venue was 'thank goodness the outside area had been maintained.' This can provide a perfect al fresco dining experience which is perfectly suited to the approaching summer.

A warm welcome will greet you at the entrance, provided you are dressed smart/casual and of the legal drinking age! The first level consists of bright, modern decor, an easily accessible bar and a buzz as much provided by the customers as those working too.

Downstairs is more geared towards mood lighting, and then the offshoot from the bar and dining area is where the party gets started in the evening with a dancefloor and bar.

We visited on an evening after being recommended the quality of the food on offer. And now we are in a position to recommend! My dining partner and I both opted for the aged rib-eye steak, that comes with fluffy seasoned chips and a side salad.

The bright atmosphere will be matched by your mood at Core

But there are always those places for a more intimate evening

If you are demanding to eat off the finest china and a big emphasis on presentation then you may be disappointed. If you are expecting to taste one of the juiciest, tenderest (is that even a word) practically rind-free cuts of prime steak, you are in the right place.

And surely that's what it should be about anyway, right?!

Coupled with a large class of crisp and refreshing Argentinean Malbec-Merlot Paso, it was the perfect start to the evening. However, as well as the delectable foods, the service and attentiveness of staff is somewhat surprising for the birth of a new venue. It's clear the training began a long time before the bar opened, which is pleasing for the customer.

The drinks menu is classy, yet concise

After a couple of glasses of Moet and a cheeky cocktail (there is an extensive range), we decided to join in and see how the night takes off. Core has already grasped how to provide a relaxed, easy-going party atmosphere. The staff are fully focused on not only providing speedy and efficient service, but also how to engage with their customer and not act as aloof as other venues perhaps do.

For the record, I recommend a Fizzazzle cocktail. Finlandia vodka, passion fruit puree, peach puree, mixed with champagne and topped with a peach slice will give you that extra buzz to take to the dancefloor!

It really does tick the boxes - whether you are wanting to wind down the hours after a long day at work, or whether your night has been planned for this trendy and lively nightspot. If you're looking for an amiable venue where the customer is the central focus, where the food menu is exciting yet concise, and where the drinks are varied and detailed, get yourself down to Core for a truly warm and memorable experience.

To view the Core food menu, click here

To view the Core drinks menu, click here

To make a booking at the venue, for dining or a party, click here

The outside area is perfect for the summer months

 

Miller & Carter - 'Experts in Steak' are cooking up a storm

With social networks awash with positivity about Miller & Carter Steakhouse, I felt the time was right to see what all the hype was about.

The Brookmans Park site has been open just over four weeks when my partner I decided to pay a visit. We booked for a Saturday night, to get a real feel for the atmosphere of the place.

We were greeted at the front desk by the general manager, Derrick Fiddes, and promptly shown to our table, despite it being a hive of activity.

The sizeable chicken wings starter

Our server for the evening was Claire, our first impressions being that she was warm and friendly, while also being passionate about her job and all that Miller & Carter stand for.

For my first drink, I chose the Pilsner Urquell, appealing as it is rare to find on draft in restaurants and pubs in the UK. It was crisp, refreshing and importantly, served chilled in Pilsner Urquell-branded glass (a bug bearer when beer is served in inappropriate sized/styled glass). 

The food menu threw up no surprises - different meat dishes all sounding equally appealing. For starter we decided to share the Chargrilled Chicken Wings (in the knowledge that we had a sizeable main of meat to come), served in a Chipotle glaze. We were told that these 'weren't your normal wings', and so this proved.

The fillet steak was cooked perfectly and supplemented well

The ribeye was recommended ahead of my visit, and I wasn't disappointed

Four bumper-size chicken wings arrived, supplemented with a creamy and cooling blue cheese dip.
The glaze made the skin just as edible as the juicy, slide-off-the-bone chicken.

When selecting our main courses, I wanted some inspiration, and believed our server Claire would be able to provide that. Listening to her favourites from the menu, as well as advice as to how to have the steak cooked and what to have as a side led me into selecting the 12oz Ribeye, cooked medium with a peppercorn sauce.

My dining partner plumped for the 8oz Fillet with a bordelaise sauce, and after Claire's advice, deviated away from medium to go for medium-rare. We also decided to sample a half-rick of ribs, promised by Claire that they would be the perfect accompaniment.

The Rioja was a perfect accompaniment to my steak

A quirk of Miller & Carter is that you also select you 'lettuce wedge' which will be delivered prior to the steak. I went for the wedge served with bacon and honey mustard, my partner chose the blue cheese and Stilton option.

As with any review, it's important to be brutally honest. I would say that a negative review makes much better reading.

Sadly there are no negatives here. Both our steaks were perfectly cooked, served with a generous helping of seasoned fries and Miller & Carter's renowned onion loaf.

The ribeye was flawless - the fat cooked off and invigorating the meat which was juicy and tender with a very unique after-taste. The fillet was smooth to cut through and easy to chew through. What impressed me was not only the flavour of the meat before any of the side-sauces were added, but the lack of those 'gritty bits' that have to be pulled out in secret and into a tissue.

And let's not forget about the half rack of ribs! It is the first time I have not felt as though it was a battle, me against the rib, a fight till the death (or at least until I had shaved the bones of all the meat).

My partner rushed in at this before I took the picture!

The meat literally slid off the bone with one fell swoop of my knife. And similar to the chicken wings, there was more meat than bone, cooked in a tingly barbecue sauce.

The thought of being too full was lost on me, as I carved my way through this meat feast. Supplemented with a small glass of Rioja, oaky and vanilla in taste, it was a good night.

Sadly dessert was out of the equation for me as I had most certainly had my fill.

I say out of the equation, but maybe the delicious After Eight-Thirty cocktail I finished off with 'could' be classed as dessert.

My partner was feeling braver, and her selection of the vanilla  Beechdean Farmhouse Dairy Ice Cream and Cookie was a good one - I admit I squeezed in a spoonful and it was rich and creamy and generous in portion.

I was eager to see what all the fuss was about. And now I know why. The interior of the restaurant is welcoming, lively, and atmospheric, with a happy buzz prevalent in customers as well as in staff.

My 'dessert' After Eight-Thirty cocktail

The Brookmans Park site is vast catering for different group-sizes as well as offering a 'private' room for those who want a more personal experience (call general manager Derek Fiddes for more information, 01707 647429).

The food is evidently 'cared for' at every stage of the process - from the preparation, to the cooking to the serving, and this feeling of 'pride' is similarly displayed by the members of staff.

All this added together made us, as the customer, feel cared for, and left us reflecting on all the positives from our first ever visit to a restaurant who label themselves as 'experts in steak' - and I'm not disagreeing.

Scores on the doors (out of 10)

Setting -9
Service -9
Quality of food -10
Cleanliness and decor -9

Total score  - 37/40

To view the Miller & Carter menu, click here

To make a booking at Miller & Carter Brookmans Park, click here

Scrumptious food - Made in Mayfair

Mayfair.  Now, I can hardly claim to frequent the area.  It is by no means my stomping ground, and I can't pretend that I would ever be at home in The Ritz.  In fact, if I'm honest, I don't think they'd let me in.  But if you feel the same about this rather upmarket area of our dear capital city, but find yourself lost and in need of a beer and some bloody good pub grub, then fear not!  Take a left down Dover Street and step inside The Clarence.

The Clarence, Dover Street, London

On entering the pub, I was instantly hit by the warm atmosphere, the aroma of mulled wine in the air, and the bustle of people enjoying a few post-work beverages in the run-up to the festive season.  It seemed to be the perfect place for a cosy winter drink, and while you can dine in the bar area, I highly recommend taking the steps upstairs to the restaurant where you can choose from the same menu, but enjoy the benefits and comfort of quieter surroundings alongside impeccable table service.

After catching the sweet and spicy fragrance of the mulled wine in the bar area I'd already decided what my drink for the evening would be; sweetly flavoured and perfectly warm it was a fantastic start to the evening.  My partner took the excellent advice of our server for the evening, Anna, and tried a couple of ales throughout the meal, and all were thoroughly enjoyed.  There is a great selection and, if you are an ale drinker, you should definitely take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of the staff as they will be more than happy to find the right one for you.

We chose a pint of the Nicholson's home ale, and a festive mulled wine

For my starter I went for the smoked Scottish salmon, and what an absolutely great start to the meal.  The salmon was delicately flavoured, and was complemented perfectly by the yummy, salty cornichons (which might not be your bag but have a go, don't be pathetic).  I didn't finish all of the soda bread this was served with this as I found it a little heavy for a starter, but if you have a bigger appetite than me, get stuck in.  My partner went for the crispy squid with garlic mayonnaise; a generous portion and steaming hot with perfectly crispy batter.

The Scottish smoked salmon starter

Crispy squid starter

 My partner didn't hold back on the main and went for the ribeye steak, served with chips and a peppercorn sauce, plus two enormous king prawns to 'surf' it.  This was a proper man-feast and was beautifully cooked, and definitely enjoyed, but it's not a particularly cheap choice, and there are plenty of other delicious options on the menu if you find this one a little pricey. 

The fish basket main course was positively loaded!

I went for the basket of fish, which included cod goujons, scampi, king prawns and calamari, served with chips and tartare sauce.  The fish was really delicious, and beautifully presented in a basket with a stack of crispy chips on the side.  The portion was very generous, but I personally would have preferred a smaller amount, but served with some salad on the side - this came with no garnish at all which, for me, was the only thing I missed.  There is, however, a good selection of sides on the menu, including the house salad or vegetables, but whether you add these in or not, you won't be going hungry!

Dessert was out of the question, much as it pains me to say it, as we were way too full, so I chose to have a pot of tea whilst my partner went for an Amaretto latte (I nicked a bit when he was looking the other way and it was delicious, take it from me). 

Anna gave fantastic service, and was extremely attentive and helpful, and very keen to give assistance and advice.  She is a real credit to the company.

If you are ever in the area I thoroughly recommend a trip to The Clarence.  You will receive a warm welcome and friendly service, as well as some really good quality British pub food.  Then you can round off your evening with a stroll to see the Christmas lights, or perhaps down to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.  Or you can pop next door to Mahiki and pull a celebrity.

This wasn't your usual surf 'n' turf as you can see!

Guest blogger - AB

Click here to make a booking or for more information on The Clarence, Mayfair.