February is fast-approaching and so is Valentine’s Day.
If you are in need of inspiration on how to treat your significant other when out on the City tiles, check out this tasty list of options.
Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden
We can’t think of anything more romantic than panoramic views, exotic, sweet-smelling plants, and delectable food. Certainly, there aren’t many places in London that can boast of such a trifecta, yet Sky Garden has it all.
Some people say that the views at Sky Garden are the best in London, and who are we to argue with them? They certainly pack a punch of a vista, and we’re sure your date will agree. Before your meal at London’s highest rooftop brasserie, we highly recommend a jaunt through the gardens below the restaurant, and a drink at Sky Garden Bar, with cocktails to rival most others. Try the Last Blossom cocktail – rippled with the sweet juice of dark plums, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your lips.
When it comes to the main event, make sure to treat your loved one to the three-course A La Carte menu – trust us, you’ll want to try something from every course offering. With delights like pistachio pâte, truffle spinach croustillant, and pear, ginger and dark chocolate delice, you won’t want to share a mouthful with your partner! But you may want to do so if you want there to be another date…
Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk EC3M 8AF
skygarden.london/restaurants/darwin-brasserie
14 Hills
With gorgeous lighting and swathes of vibrant foliage, 14 Hills’ décor is a romantic’s dream. The beautiful tree in the centre of the restaurant is a real feature point, making you almost doubt that you’re inside – and on the 14th floor! Up high, you get glorious views of the capital – that’s if you can bring yourself to peel your eyes away from the wonderful establishment – or your lovely date.
We love the shabby-chique lampshades dotted throughout the venue – paired with the flora and pink walls, the room gives major ‘blossoming romance’ vibes.
With a range of menus that showcase the best of British with a hint of French flair, 14 Hills can cater to a range of cravings – but our favourite thing about the establishment is the extensive drinks list.
Indeed, 14 Hills is famed for its drink offerings – with options that range from the classic to the unique. And with an entire menu dedicated to Roku Gin cocktails, it’s a gin lovers wish come true! If your date is a gin or cocktail aficionado, make sure to order them a Fuyu – Roku Gin, aged plum sake, Cointreau L’Unique, Champagne Brut and kaffir lime leaf. It’s simply exquisite.
With padded bar stools and squishy pillowed seating, be prepared to get comfy and settle in for an evening of unadulterated joy.
14th floor, 120 Fenchurch Street EC3M 5BA
14hills.co.uk
Piazza Italiana
Can’t afford to take your loved one to Venice? No problem. Take them to the romantic Italian destination by way of the City, at Piazza Italiana.
Italian food rivals’ French cuisine for inspiring romance, and the team at Piazza Italiana have certainly achieved that. Everything about the restaurant exudes passion – from the gorgeous architecture of the building itself to the sumptuous interiors, and from the tantalising wines to the flavoursome food.
Despite its grandeur, Piazza Italiana is very inviting; the perfect place to sit down with a new or long-time love. The menu is impressive with authentic and seasonal ingredients, and the waiters are warm and welcoming.
Start the evening right with a glass of La Segreta Il Bianco. A blend of different grapes, the dry Sicilian white is crisp and won’t overwhelm the palate – the ideal beverage to enjoy alongside delicious food.
If you love pasta, highly recommended is the tagliolini al tartufo – with the pasta spun in a pecorino wheel right at your table! Add fresh black truffle for extra pizzazz.
Finish your experience with a plate of Piazza Italiana’s creamy tiramisu, which comes complete with coffee ice cream. Enjoy it alongside a glass of the ‘Schweizer’ Moscato Rosa – you won’t be disappointed.
38 Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AY
piazzaitaliana.co.uk
Aqua Shard
Head to The Shard’s Aqua Shard after sundown and you’ll be in for a real treat. With 360-degree views of the city, and an incredibly classy atmosphere, it’s the ultimate spot for swanky drinks with a side of romance.
While the food menu is exceptional, this place truly stands out when it comes to drinks, with five packed menu pages of glorious champagnes, wines, spirits, mocktails, and cocktails.
Woo your date by ordering them a tipple from Aqua Shard’s Elements of Life Cocktail options. To ignite some heat, chose from the ‘Fire’ section – On the Shore, with bubbly, fruity and fragrant characteristics is perfect.
If you want to go that little bit further (and if you want to splash the cash), impress with a bottle of their finest vintage champagne – with options like Dom Pérignon 2003 and La Grande Dame 2006, you can’t go wrong. If your budget is a bit smaller, a glass of Veuve Clicquot will also do very nicely.
Level 31 The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street SE1 9RY
aquashard.co.uk
CORD By Le Cordon Bleu
Le Cordon Bleu cooking schools are renowned the world-round, and their first fine dining restaurant in London, CORD, is no exception. Impress your loved one by taking them to dine at the grade II Lutyens building, based in the heart of our beloved Square Mile.
If visiting before the sun has set, you’ll be struck by how bright and airy the restaurant space is; with large windows to let in gorgeous sunlight and bright white walls to reflect it. In keeping with tradition, the classic Le Cordon Bleu colours of blue and gold are in abundance, with beautiful blue chairs and gold embellishments throughout the room. Dining after dark is equally fabulous though – and will benefit your date with some subtle mood lighting.
If your partner enjoys vino, we suggest chatting to the very friendly sommelier and requesting wine pairings with your food. There’s no better way to enjoy a romantic meal than with a beverage that complements and enhances the flavours of your chosen dishes.
And CORD does flavours very well. Using exciting ingredient combinations, the chefs work a sort of magic to produce unique dishes that will have you craving more. Try the caramelised cauliflower and see for yourself. Made with Cajun nuts, pomegranate, basmati rice, and kaffir lime, it’s a taste explosion in the mouth.
85 Fleet Street EC4Y 1AE
cordrestaurant.co.uk
Mallow
Impress your love by taking them to an eatery that oozes compassion – 100 per cent plant-based restaurant Mallow. A stone’s throw away from the City in bustling Borough Market, Mallow serves gorgeously seasonal, sustainable food, inspired by cuisines from all over the world.
The venue’s exterior and interior are beautifully presented – the building itself is made from a wonderful red brick and adorned with teal finishings. Step inside, and you’ll discover a stunning restaurant that spreads over two floors. With two bars, soft lighting throughout and stunning wall art, it’s just the ticket for romance.
We recommend booking an early evening sitting – simply so you have plenty of time to work your way through the delightful cocktail menu! We love the prickly pear and apple martini – and we reckon you will too. Order it alongside a pre-dinner nibble of bread with houmous and rose harissa while you mull over what to order for starters and mains.
The blue corn tostadas with tamarind laam, pasilla mole and escabeche fennel is a flavour explosion, and not to be missed. Likewise, the fennel sausage, herb soft polenta and caraway creamed cabbage won’t disappoint. If you fancy something that’s a little more laidback, the truffle chick’n burger with buffalo glaze, dill pickles, slaw, and fries is ideal.
And to finish? Order a bowl of ginger sticky toffee pudding with apple compote and cinder toffee ice cream. Deal out a spoon each and dive into deliciousness.
1 Cathedral Street SE1 9DE
mildreds.co.uk
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