Before restaurants begin to usher in their winter warming menus or launch the next Hygge inspired terraces, we managed to catch the last of the September sunshine at Sea Containers on London’s Southbank.
Crossing over Blackfriars Bridge, you’ll quickly spot the imposing Brutalist structure of the Sea Containers hotel and restaurant. Holding court on the South Bank, Sea Containers is just as much a riverside landmark as the London Eye. On our arrival the faint fluorescent glow of lights battled to be seen as the sun worked overtime across the London skyline.
In its former life, the building was home to a maritime transport company, now re-imagined by Tom Dixon; the south wing offers a unique boutique hotel and luxury dining. Upon arrival, we were lead through the floor-to-ceiling windows and velvet banquettes to our table; under the watchful eye of St. Paul’s from a distance.
We started with cocktails, a White Negroni (Bombay Sapphire gin, Suze, Lillet Blanc , cardamom) and a Sour (Bacardi 8yr, red currants, lemon) both exquisite which, was to be expected with such a high-pedigree of serves coming from across the corridor at Lyaness, which was previously voted the world’s best bar.
The menu is very much designed to encourage you to share with flat breads, small plates and larger ones too. Divided for months by lockdown, my guest and I were looking to take our time (pre-curfew) perusing the menu before we finally settled on ceviche tacos loaded with seabass and drizzled with coriander salsa alongside salt beef croquettes with honey mustard dressing. The tacos were wonderfully fresh in taste and the perfect morsel sized bite to graze on. The croquettes were rich and full of flavour.
For the table we also ordered the simply named Artichoke, a salad of green beans, tomato, quinoa and Loch Duart salmon tartare, black garlic mayonnaise, garlic and chives. The tartare was delicate and flavoursome, wonderfully balanced by the earthy umami flavours of the black garlic mayonnaise. Larger plates offer a variety of choices from a rabbit pappardelle with marjoram to a loin of cod, served with baby gems, peas and bacon.
With our waistbands looking to be stretched, we opted for sharing a 28 day aged Cote de Boeuf with a horseradish beef jus. As our main arrived it blushed, a deep medium-rare; alongside sprouting broccoli and potato mash. A mash so creamy with a delicate undertone of thyme. Broccoli was served al dente, its bite rivalled by the crunch of scattered macadamia nuts sprinkled on top. The Cote de Boeuf was tender and savoury in taste, with that fat perfectly rendered. Having tested the structural integrity of both our waistbands, we opted to share dessert; lured in by the chocolate brownie which was fudgy and unctuous.
As the night came to an end, and we walked back across the bridge we left with our stomachs full and our hearts content. The rainbow fluorescent lights shimmered from the Sea Containers façade like a beacon of hope; rippling across the Thames we felt optimistic that the tides will turn and our beloved hospitality sector will continue to shine bright in these uncertain times.
To discover more, visit: seacontainerslondon.com
All imagery courtesy of Sea Containers.
View this post on Instagram