Eat & Drink
Originally published on Thursday, 1st July 2010
RedHook
Farringdon’s latest establishment is a sexy slice of surf & turf paradise
89-90 Turnmill Street, EC1M 5QU
www.redhooklondon.com
Location
Tucked halfway along Turnmill Street in Farringdon, Jonathan Downey’s new RedHook is a huge, high-ceilinged surf and turf restaurant dripping in appetite-sating comfort and relaxed NYC-style elegance.
Vibe
The bar, with its long stretch of dark wood, worn tiles and glass cabinets stacked with an impressive, slightly whisky-biased rack of liquor, is purest Wild West with just a hint of New Orleans. The variety and range of seating, meanwhile, should keep the more New York dining area buzzing nicely – and no doubt the group’s signature attention to wines and cocktails will help nicely.
Flavours
Fresh oysters served any-which-way are an appetising £1.50 a pop, while the pair of huge East vs. West London fruits de mer plates have hangover brunch written all over them (as does the spicy, green Bloody Mary). But if you’re feeling especially plush/starving, the £65 Indian Ocean crown jewel of Australian wagyu fillet served with fat Madagascan prawns practically deserves a following of its own.
Décor
Being a traditional Rushmore Group venue (Milk & Honey, Giant Robot, etc.) the interior is a signature mix of exposed brick, stripped floorboards and cute retro paraphernalia. Cosy, tall leather banquettes and chatty open tables, meanwhile, nestle between two mini-lounge areas at one end (which features an original car boot by Gavin Turk – ooh!) and an elegant dining room at the other that’s just crying for private dinners.
Upshot
Officially opening today (July 1) after a gentle test-drive for existing group members, the RedHook should really shake things up for the lunch, brunch and dinner options in EC1. The slick-but-not-too-slick interior is a pleasure for sure. But it’s the cracking selection of prime fresh fish and meat and the fabulous cocktail and wine lists that should really earn this space the following it deserves.
