Harvey Nichols Restaurant @ The Oxo Tower Review
I’ve been to the Oxo Tower on several occasions for a drink, and the understated sometimes hard to locate entrance is really misleading. Once you arrive on Level 8 you are welcomed to a luxurious, airy bar and restaurant with floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views over The Thames to St Pauls and beyond. The view is nothing short of spectacular, and the outdoor terrace makes this the perfect spot to dine this summer. Whether the brasserie or the restaurant, the choice to eat outdoors was welcomed. After our drink outside, we decided to eat indoors. But being adjacent to the windows meant that watching the sunset felt like we were just as close, sans breeze.
The Summer Market menu is available until 29th September, and is more than worth the visit – at a price of £39 a head, (which includes a vodka or whisky cocktail) it’s a generous price for what is a delicious and filling 4 course tasting menu. I was impressed that the server gave us the option of meat, pescatarian or vegetarian, catering for the majority of dietary preferences, and the servers being friendly and helpful, placing napkins on our laps and checking in regularly, were more than happy to cater for our needs.
Choosing the meat and pescatarian options, it was refreshing to see that the menu was identical, except the switch out of lamp rump for Hake in the mains, meaning no food envy. The ingredients are seasonal, and that shows, everything was served looking pristine and thought through. And the flavours were fresh, and provided a good mix of textures and tastes.
We were particularly impressed with scallop taramasalata, and very pleasantly surprised by the mushroom éclair.
The citrus cured salmon that followed was probably our favourite course, the salmon was served perfectly, presented on a swirl of black garlic (which was divine) and the bread crisps created a welcome firm crispy texture to the salmon.
The mains was again fresh and light, artichoke served with peas and pea puree, along with goats curd, it was lamp rump for my dining partner and hake for me. The hake was flaky yet succulent, with a salty taste. And the lamb was tender and cooked to perfection.
We were so blown by the tastes of the mains, by the time the desert arrived we just had room for the sweet and tasty peach tart. All washed down with a house Sauvignon Blanc, served perfectly chilled (available at an extra cost).
The service was fantastic, yet discreet, we felt looked after but our space to dine and enjoy was respected. Overall, the views, the food and the location made this the perfect summer dining experience. We will be back, to dine outside!
Website: https://www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/the-oxo-tower/restaurant/
Address: Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
Menu available now until 29th September £39 for 4 courses
Written by Polly Robin
