The Madison Review
For those who haven’t been to The Madison… you are seriously missing out. While you could definitely visit for the roof top views of St Pauls alone, it’s a must to visit The Madison for the food. We arrived on a rainy Sunday to the elegant restaurant filled with fellow Sunday Brunch goers, all whom appeared to be in very good moods. It was probably helped that the dulcet tones of the Lifford Trio were serenading guests while they ate.
After being taken to our seat and choosing the menu, we had the hardest part of our afternoon trying to decide what to eat. Everything at The Madison looks absolutely divine. From classic brunch, to Sunday roasts to fancy Hors_d’oeuvres… The Madison hasit all.
Our starters consisted of scallops baked in the shell with smoked carrot puree, crisp bacon and sunflower seeds and the potted crab and crayfish with cucumber and lemon balm jelly with crostini’s. My scallops tasted just as good as they looked. The melted in my mouth and were so full of flavour. I would have been happy with a third or fourth serving but then again I would eat scallops everyday if I could. My friend loved her potted crab and crayfish. She found the cucumber mixed with it extremely refreshing.
The manager also sent over a plate of Sauteed’ Foie Gras with Campari & Blood orange gel, ginger bread and pistachio nuts to sample while we waited for our mains. Taking the first bite was like eating butter and it just dissolved in our mouths. It was very rich though and we struggled to finish it, especially after we learnt what Foie Gras was… I guess I’m just not cultured enough to enjoy it.
While the brunch options looked delicious, it was the Sunday roasts that really got our attentions. My friend ordered went with the Roast 35 day aged sirloin with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese and onion gravy. She loved it and despite wanting more gravy… she almost liked the plate clean.
My recommendation though is to go the Roast pork belly with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese and apple sauce. It has the perfect blend of salty and sweet that I’m still dreaming about. I must admit there wasn’t one bit of food left on my plate either. I’ll be definitely headed back just for this dish.
Because we just couldn’t decide what to have for dessert, the manager helpfully brought out smaller portions of the Trio of coconut and banana (donut, parfait and muffin) – mango puree and toffee sauce, Chocolate and praline fondant (butternut squash and vanilla puree, milk ice-cream and the Pistachio and poppy seed cake, rhubarb puree, yoghurt sorbet and violet flowers. All three desserts were top notch but it was the chocolate and praline fondant that won the dessert competition of the evening. The rich gooey chocolate fondant with the ice-cream… it’s a classic dessert for a reason.
A bottle of Percheron Grenache Rosé fully complimented our meal at The Madison and it’s a wine I’d recommend. It’s a nice balance of sweet and dry which was extremely easy to drink during our meal.
The Madison is one of those bars that because of the location, you may think the food and drink prices are extortionate. It’s really not and this is definitely a winner in my books. To have such a gorgeous venue, with fantastic food, friendly service and to still have affordable prices, it’s no wonder The Madison is a gem of the D&D restaurant group.
Reporter: Tegan LeBon
Twitter and Instagram: Toogs1
Rooftop Terrace, 1 New Change, St Paul’s, London, EC4M 9AF
020 3693 5160
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