belowzero

This underground drinking den, next to the gimmicky Absolut Ice Bar, has long been known as a good late night standby but never renowned for its food - how many underground drinking dens are, let's face it?

But as Heddon Street has gradually cleaned up its act, with the addition of places like chic brunch hangout Aubaine, belowzero , it seems, has done the same, giving the place a good spruce-up (the interior is now a whole lot slicker and sexier) and welcoming the very qualified Sean Marshall (formerly of Bank and Oxo Tower) into the kitchen.

Marshall has poshed up the menu no end, introducing starters like galantine of wild smoked salmon with mascarpone and keta and avruga caviar, and mains like black gilt head bream with pickled fennel and samphire.

Or there is the rather civilised terrace out front where you can opt for a simpler mediterranean menu and take advantage of the very reasonable lunch deal - two courses with a side and a beer or a glass of wine for £16.

belowzero may have just gone up in our estimations.

Hours: Mon-Weds 12.30-11pm • Thurs-Sat 12.30pm-12am • Sun 3.30-11pm (drinks only)
Place: 31-33 Heddon Street, W1B 4BN
Cost: £30
Web: belowzerolondon.com
Book: 020 7478 8910

by SL

Comments:

Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.