LONDON
“ Really good British food ” and iconic London views , how to make an impact at
THE BUTLER ’ S WHARF CHOP HOUSE
BY SAMANTHA READY
HAVING EXPERIENCED THE WONDERS OF NEW STREET GRILL LAST YEAR , IT WAS FAIR TO SAY THAT MY EXPECTATIONS WERE HIGH AS I AMBLED DOWN THE COBBLED STREETS AT THE SIDE OF THE THAMES EN ROUTE TO ANOTHER D & D LONDON RESTAURANT GEM . JUST ONE OF THE EATERIES IN ITS EVER-GROWING , YET REFINED PORTFOLIO , THE RESTAURANTS NOT ONLY PROMISE ( AND DELIVER !) GREAT FOOD , GREAT WINE AND GREAT SERVICE , BUT DO SO IN SOME WONDERFULLY RESTORED AND REFURBISHED BUILDINGS .
Situated on the South bank of the river not far from London Bridge , the first thing we noticed when we took our seats at our window-side table for two was the commanding view of the iconic Tower Bridge ! In fact , views stretch far down the river across Docklands and are framed by the pretty doors that run the length of the wall and that are , of course , thrown open in the warmer months to offer al fresco dining in an awe-inspiring location .
The restaurant itself , accessed through the bar area or directly from the riverfront , was warm and welcoming , offering just that right mix of intimacy and ambience . Walls were neutrally painted or wood panelled , original warehouse features preserved and all were lit – albeit softly – with industrial copper fittings set off with just a hint of a nautical vibe .
The modern British grill menu , prepared under the watchful eye of head chef Joginder Singh Dham , offers a mouthwatering selection of oysters , seafood starters , fresh fish and contemporary British mains and of course naturally for a chop house , a tempting selection of Josper-cooked Black Angus beef individual cuts and sharing options .
And not forgetting drinks – a heady mix of premium spirits , prime ales and unique cocktails hand in hand with an extensive wine list ; and of course a handy and friendly sommelier on hand with expert suggestions to set off the meal .
And so to our starters . The apple and celeriac soup for my guest , a warming thick broth of flavour , and the daily special scallops for me , gloriously seared served upon cauliflower purée , with crisp lardons and samphire .
Dishes devoured , we were more than ready for our mains : the fillet steak with Chop House butter for me , whilst my guest opted for the Chop House burger – the brioche bun heaving with juicy beef , streaky bacon , applewood cheddar and house relish , and they certainly lived up to expectation ! The delicious charred exterior and juiciness that the Josper preserves , led to melt-in-the-mouth steak and burger heaven , completed by the hard to resist triplecooked chips and the heaving fresh spring salad sides .
With barely any room left after devouring every last beefy morsel we , of course , persevered to the dessert menu and although initially opting to share the brownie ( a stodgy , fudgy slab of dark chocolate warmth ), the real winner transpired to be the surprise addition of a sticky toffee pudding with its sweet syrup sauce , soft sponge and clotted cream .
Once again D & D London have delivered .
With a well conceived British grill menu and an impressive yet refined wine list , attentive and professional service , The Butler ’ s Wharf Chop House is reassuringly welcoming , and enviously set , a welcome haven for foodies such as ourselves .
The Butler ’ s Wharf Chop House 36e Shad Thames London SE1 2YE 020 7403 3403 www . chophouse-restaurant . co . uk
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