Arbutus

TimMancs

Soho Gem 24th July 2007

4 found this helpful

Was attending one of my regular Friday meetings in London last week and took my best London mate here as he's one of those weird people who sees food as simply the intake of fuel and if it was his choice he‘d be taking me to the Stockpot. Having done the Haywood and a quick look at the cities exhibit at Tate Modern, which was excellent, I found myself with about 2 hours to find and book a good table close to Old Compton Street, where we'd agreed to meet after he finished work.

And Arbutus is what caught my eye - Time Out best new restaurant of the year in 2006 and exceedingly handy to our rendezvous. I thought I wasn't taking too much of a risk as a quick look at the menu outside the premises confirmed it wasn't too expensive…or pretentious…and they had shepherd's pie on the menu. I thought I was on a winner when they confirmed they did have a table for 90 minutes time. True to form though my London mate moaned about the fact I'd dragged him to a fancy restaurant even though its hardly a schlep from Old Compton Street and the service was exceptionally quick - and he's the first oh so tiny fault - so quick that it seemed slick, slick and formulaic. My starter of smoked eel, beetroot and horseradish cream appeared within minutes. It seems churlish to moan about speed and they do promote their theatre menu so for all of you who are in a bit of a hurry you'll be fine.

The quality of the food though quickly dispelled any reservations I might have had though - I love rollmops and the eel was like a posh version without the pickle and the beetroot and horseradish cream worked a treat with it. The moany git skipped a starter and had the bavette of beef which he was generous enough to admit was very good and I helped myself to a few tastes of his dauphinois and can confirm that it is indeed one of the best I've ever tasted too. My saddle of rabbit was excellent and the shepherd's pie made from the shoulder was brilliant - very clever. The highlight though was what they did with the runner beans! - I grew up on a farm and they were a summer staple but never have I tasted such delicious beans - a marvel.

The tables are fairly close together so you could easily spot what others were having and all the food looked great. The wine was excellent and the prices are definitely good value for such classy food in the centre of town - both main courses came in at under £15 each. Service was very efficient without being friendly and just seemed a bit soulless. These are tiny faults though and I'd emphasise what an excellent place it is.

Am definitely going to go back and as a pre or post theatre venue it looks superb.

DanWilkinson

How good is Arbutus? 22nd July 2007

5 found this helpful

If you're short of time, this is all you need to know: this place is brilliant.

For those of you who're browsing whilst pretending to work and fancy a bit more of a read, here we go. The missus and I went to Arbutus a few weeks ago and have been raving about it ever since.

From the understated decor and friendly, efficient staff to the genuinely amazing food and the helpful way of selling wine in 250ml carafes, this is a tremendous experience all the way through the evening.

The food is exactly what I love in a good restaurant: top notch ingredients cooked sensitively and without complication, with a deft, witty touch throughout. The wine list is expertly chosen and manages to offer some more intriguing, challenging bottles among the safer options. The way they offer them in 250ml carafes means you can match wine to food throughout the meal without having to buy two or three full bottles, which really makes a difference.

So on the whole the experience was pretty much perfect from the moment we stepped through the door to our reluctant departure. And what price perfection? Well, given that we'd kicked off with Champagne, gone the full three courses and showed no restraint at all on the wine front (and sneaked in a tremendous Armagnac at the end), I think £75 a head was more than reasonable, especially compared with £130 a head for a very average dinner at Boxwood some time ago.

We will definitely be going back.

psychovamp

wow 10th June 2007

1 found this helpful

one word....amazing!

stuartclennett

Stuart's Review 4th June 2007

2 found this helpful

Can't speak highly enough of a great restaurant that has clearly got it's act together. My wife & I arrived 5 mins early, but our table was ready anyway (plus point in my view that so many restaurants fail on).

The service was superb, the food arrived in a very timely manner with, IMO, the right timing between courses (i.e. a longer delay between main and dessert). The staff were friendly and helpful.

Food quality is excellent, and for chocoholics everywhere, please, try the "soup". ;o)

freddie5540

14th May 2007

2 found this helpful

I had been longing to visit Arbutus for a some time and when the opportunity arose i jumped at it. I was in a hurry (very unfortunate) and could only fit in one course. Feeling a little boring, yet craving it, i ordered the steak. A fantastic option it was, served with one of the best dauphinoise potatoes i have ever had; being a purist i like a creamy, (not buttery, and split) potato dish with just a pleasant hint of garlic. It delivered on all accounts and was served attractively in a copper dish. My companion enjoyed a delicate and delightful ravioli of pumpkin. I wish i could talk more about a place that is clearly firing on all cylinders!

I love my wine and the options in 250ml caraffe are outstanding, especially if you are only having one course and want glass of something nice.

Very good indeed!!

sue at 04/06/07

Have you heard that Wild Honey (aka Arbutus II) is opening on the 2nd of July. They are now taking bookings (via Arbutus) for opening week and offering 50% off food.

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sue

Excellent Value Modern Cuisine in Soho 1st March 2007

2 found this helpful

If you are looking for a top class dining experience without the exorbitant prices, then you may enjoy a visit to Arbutus. Located close to Soho Square, Arbutus opened to rave reviews in 2006, and since then has quickly earned a loyal following, along with its first Michelin star.

Arbutus have a small bar area which is a great place for single diners to enjoy their meal and chat to others in a similar situation. They also do a pre-theatre menu from 5pm daily.

One of the things I love about Arbutus is that all of the wines on the well selected list are available in a 250ml carafe, giving you a great opportunity to try a few different wines with your meal.

Some of the highlights of my meals there have included starters of Smoked eel with pressed beetroot, horseradish cream & young leaves; and the Chicken sot-l'y-laisse (oysters) with macaroni, broad beans, lemon thyme & hazelnuts. Main courses have included such delights as Elwy valley rump of lamb with tortellini of goats cheese, artichokes, tomato & Taggiascha olives; or the Saddle of rabbit with shoulder cottage pie & braised shallots. Save room for dessert if you can - how about the Warm Valrhona chocolate soup; or perhaps one of the best Crème Brulee's in town!