1901 Liverpool Street, London – Review

Last week I was lucky enough to dine at the glamorous 1901 dining room, situated just next to Liverpool Street

It`s the décor that hits you immediately. A majestic red brick Victorian building with a grade ii listed interior, this place oozes grandeur. Whether you find yourself seated at the marble cocktail bar, under the stained dome glass ceiling or tucked away in a candle light corner- it`s truly sumptuous.

The same can be said for the staff and the cuisine. A sommelier is on hand to take you guide you through a menu that boasts over 700 wines! Passionate and proud they know their dishes and drinks inside out and back to front.

The cuisine is modern British, which translates as `classic a la carte with a dynamic twist`. For example my king prawn starter came not only pan-fried but also dressed in punchy bloody mary dressing and light mozzarella foam. Fantastic.

I was particularly impressed by the little touches that then followed: tiny canapés, a tart amuse bouche; warm rustic bread, giant olives and buttery fudge- true luxurious London dining! And because the staff timed their service to perfection (and the wine kept flowing), we managed to nibble constantly at these little delicacies late into the evening and still pack in a delicious main. I highly recommend the monkfish served with watermelon and fennel, a surprisingly winning combination. (With this I chose a 2007 `Gruner Veltliner` Austrian white, smooth but fruity enough for the meaty fish).

Chase the never-ending courses with desert and petit fours if you can or simply opt for a good desert wine. I`ve never tasted a sparkling one before but the 2008 Moscato d`Asti is worth checking out and give you a glow for the journey home!

They describe themselves as sophistication made simple- yet there is nothing plain about 1901, it`s pure perfection, go there and for some first class living!