Restaurants

  • Arbutus

     
  • Chef and co-owner Anthony Demetre oversees a consistent kitchen and an enticing menu strong on hearty British fare, accented with continental flavours. Seasonality matters here. Our visit in early spring featured some of the first English asparagus and wild garlic leaves in a dish of roast organic chicken and a risotto of garlic leaves, spring onion and courgette. The risotto, however, had only the merest whisper of said garlic. A starter of squid and mackerel ‘burger’, surrounded by pieces of succulent, sea-scented razor clams and scatterings of parsley, was the star of the show. The Spanish-influenced main course of pollock featured macaroni, chorizo and octopus, piquillo peppers, capers and tomato sauce. A former winner of ourBest New Restaurant award, Arbutus is very popular, and its renown is likely to spread further with the publication of Demetre’s first book. Be sure to book ahead and expect the place to be full to bursting at dinner (service may be rushed as a consequence). Prices at dinner are not a bargain in the way that lunchtime set menus are, but value is ably delivered by the wine list. It’s not too long and there are plenty of good bottles, all of which are available by 250ml carafe, which are not marked up from bottle price.

  • Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
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  1. Posted by D. on 03 Nov 2009 19:52

    The website (same layout as sister restaurant Wild Honey) makes the place look really nice and once you get there it is. But then sadly it goes wrong. (I can't comment on WH but from below you'll see that I'm not too enthusiastic about trying that one now).
    I wish I had taken heed of Sarah's review below. It has a Michelin star (not sure why, considering the overall experience) but I guess it is now struggling to hold on to it with the poor level of service in the evenings.
    The food was OK, but not much more than that and certainly not special. But the service, well, all I can say is that with so many places to choose from in London I wish I had taken my money elsewhere.
    Even the staff in Chez Gerard on a busy night are pleased to see you.
    Good luck if you really need to try this place but if you want a smile with your dinner try other places first.

  2. Posted by Sarah on 14 Jul 2009 02:09

    Went on basis of these reviews. Was very disappointed. Staff were disdainful and lacked food knowledge. Meal was ridiculously rushed ,obviously couldn't wait to clear table. Repetitive garnish, who wants peas and broad beans on both entree and main. Overall really unimpressed. Went to Wild Honey four nights later and it was stunning.

  3. Posted by joellercoaster on 03 Jun 2009 14:44

    Although I have to disagree with everyone else on the decor, I realise that is probably just my own prejudice against the Late 90s Yuppie school of interior design.
    Fortunately the food stands on its own as a reason to go. Like the Time Out reviewer, the squid and mackerel burger made me very happy. This was followed by a sizeable pot of vegetables and stuffed tripe that was rich, pungent and generally awesome (although the accompanying bit of toast with minced trotter was underwhelming and probably unnecessary).
    I also want to know where they get their cheese.

  4. Posted by Brennan on 01 Jun 2009 13:11

    Fantastic place, very casual feel to the place making you feel relaxed and able to just focus on food. Great homely simple food, very satisfying indeed. Great place to go to when you are hungy and just want to eat great food at a price that is value for money.

  5. Posted by missmoneypenny on 04 Mar 2009 17:53

    Arbutus is simply the best restaurant in london. I have been three times and each time has been fabulous. I always find it hard to choose because everything sounds so good. Service and atmosphere are lovely and not stuffy as in other similar restaurants. Tarte tatin for pud is a must.

  6. Posted by Jesper on 10 Jan 2009 08:09

    Appalling service and the place is overrated in general. One smug waiter made us feel very uncomfortable. Bland decor and lacks atmosphere. Food is good but not amazing. Go elsewhere.

  7. Posted by misterhyde on 17 Nov 2008 22:27

    Very nice atmos in this pleasantly decorated restaurant. Staff were delightful and also knowledgeable, not scared to past their opinions in regards to the menu. They all seemed to work with the confidence of knowing that the food was good and they certainly weren't wrong. Tasted as good as it looked and the portions were ample to satisfy a 1.94cm male appetite. Wine was reasonably priced as was the meal. On the contrary, I like the idea of adding the service charge on my behalf. One can always deduct it if they feel it was not deserved, but somehow I doubt this will happen. Highly recommended

  8. Posted by Christina on 02 Nov 2008 18:11

    Went for a pre-theatre meal. Food was very tasty but incredibly small portion. Lamb was all fat and no meat. Left feeling very hungry.
    Beer £4.50
    Didn't appreciate having the service charge included.

  9. Posted by Ashley Richardson on 27 Oct 2008 23:23

    Excellent food delivered with quick charming service. I found my waitress to be very educated about the food and wine. Excellent option to have carafes available, would recommend to all.

  10. Posted by Adam on 10 Oct 2008 21:53

    We took my parents here on a busy Thursday evening. We hadn't booked but they found us a table with no problem. Service was quick and attentive; the waiter was lovely. And the food was simply delicious - we ate off the pre-theatre menu, so the choice was limited, but everything we ordered was fantastic, and great value for money. Would recommend to anyone

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  • Details

  • 63-64 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 3JW
  • Area: Soho
  • Tel: 020 7734 4545
  • Website
  • Category: Modern European
  • Travel: Tottenham Court Road tube
  • Times: Lunch served noon-2.30pm Mon-Sat; noon-3.30pm Sun. Dinner served 5-11pm Mon-Sat; 5.30-9.30pm Sun
  • Price: Main courses £14-£19.95. Set lunch £15.50 3 courses. Set dinner (5-7pm) £17.50 3 courses
  • Credit cards: AmEx, MC, V
  • Services:
    • Child facilities: Babies and children welcome: high chairs
  • Map

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