Date nights and those special occasion dinners where you NEED to impress – It’s always a tough choice where to go and we are such creatures of habit for ‘that Italian place round the corner.’ Fear not for we have found a solution! Dinner (and drinks) at Jason Atherton’s one Michelin starred City Social ticks every luxury date night and special occasion box in the book. And here’s why:
Location – Tower 42 in the City. The square mile on weekends is quiet, without the hustle and bustle of the West End. First of all, don’t enter the main building as a well worn but friendly receptionist will guide you to City Social’s dedicated entrance on the side of the building. After that, ascend to the 24th floor where you will be greeted with stunning city views that stretch for miles.
Atmosphere – The mood is set to seductive throughout with dimmed mood lighting, immaculately turned out staff and sleek minimalist art deco interiors.
The Bar – Inspired by the famous London landmarks that can be spotted from the bar, Social 24 Bar has just launched a new bar menu with original signature cocktails and proper bar snacks. We sampled an ultimate espresso martini (above) which was creamy yet powerful and dainty little ham and cheese toasties.
The table – As ever, tables by windows are great but we fell in love with the deep, curved booths at the back which my date said looked like hot tubs where you can stretch both arms out as if you were Hugh Hefner but without the velvet smoking jacket. These tables are ideal for a double date as they fit four or if you ask nicely, they can be a secluded private table for two.
Michelin Star menu – The menu is seductively concise and has a little bit of what you fancy. It changes every season although there is always a selection of Josper grilled cote de boeuf (to share) as well as a rib eye, fillet and awesome triple cooked chips.
Paired drinks – Fine Italian botanical aperitvo Italicus have teamed up with City Social to create a seasonal cocktails in a paired food and drink menu for the festive period, underpinned with the ethos of “enjoy more with less” to highlight the Low ABV of Italicus. With a lemon sole main course (ballotined and then poached in fish broth with a citrus mash, leek puree and crispy brown shrimp in a butter sauce), the Italicus Cup made with Italicus, grapefruit juice, soda and a pinch of salt works so well with a light bitter and floral tone. It is also fresh with a citrus hit which balances the rich elements of the dish and highlights those more delicate flavours of the fish.
Great ingredients – We began with a heritage beetroot tartare with walnut, pomegranate and a creamy stilton sauce that went so well with beetroot. Another highlight was a brilliant lobster tortellini swimming in a rich lobster bisque with squid ink, fennel and yuzu. Dishes are creative, refined and showcase great British produce.
Proper portions – A bright white generous piece of halibut came with girolles and a creamy dashi sauce. We were also wowed by a simple sounding duck breast which arrived with a confit leg crepe presented in a box that should be housing treasure or fine diamonds.
Fine wines – An almost biblical 75 page wine list has a big range to suit all date nights including half bottles which are just so cute. There are also almost 50 wines by the glass including fine wines like a 2008 Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets. The wonders of Coravin wine technology.
So there you have it. Date night sorted. Sadly we can’t control what happens after but with all the above, you are sure to enjoy a happy ending.
To discover more about City Social and book, visit: www.citysociallondon.com
