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VANILLA

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Drinks and dining under one very unique roof

Where? 131 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 5BB (020-3008 7763, www.vanillalondon.com)

Sounds like a stop for tea and cakes... Hardly. This futuristic-looking new venue follows the growing trend of offering both drinks with friends or a romantic meal a deux. An all-white interior fits the sophisticated mood in the spacious bar area. Colour-changing lighting and crystal chandeliers add a unique twist and a monochrome patterned wallpaper decks out the smaller restaurant.

So cocktail concoctions or sumptuous supper? Both. With a renowned New York bar manager creating mouth-watering cocktails and an extensive list to choose from you can have an aperitif before sitting down to indulge in the dinner menu. Expect the usual London cocktail prices (bt £7.50 and £9).

Top dishes we should try? With two courses for £30 and three for £35, you can take your pick. The vanilla glazed king scallops with girolle mushrooms and pea shoot salad was delicious and not too filling. For a full fish extravaganza, try the Halibut with green asparagus, caramelised cepes and a Chablis emulsion. The best thing is the menu is succinct, so you don't feel bowled over by too much choice.

And what about those legendary cocktails? In contrast, and to our delight, the cocktail menu is extensive. Of course, vanilla is a popular ingredient, so if that flavour doesn't wash well, there's a myriad of other creations to choose from. We highly recommend the '131' – Cariel Vanilla vodka, limonchello liqueur, honey, lime juice and ginger. It's potent but goes down a treat.

Need to know? If you're after an informal night, this isn't the place for you. The décor is not to everyone's taste and the statement wallpaper in the restaurant doesn't really work for daytime dining. The restaurant menu changes weekly, however, so there's no reason why you can't keep going back for more!


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Review by Review by online assistant editor Kate Wharton

Release date: Tuesday 31 July 2007

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