Revive your sensual spirit at the Barbican Lounge (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Revive your sensual spirit at the Barbican Lounge

in Reviews By Melanie Dakin

With lights twinkling across the water and the sound of fountains tinkling; the Barbican Lounge is a surprisingly romantic location in the heart of the capital. Open for just one week, this smart new dining space has a tranquil ambience and effortlessly satisfies all five senses. There’s the touch of the smooth, warm wooden benches and the smell of herbs from the planters outside on the terrace and if you get cold, you can enjoy the texture of an enveloping blanket while you enjoy an al fresco meal. There’s plenty of space inside as well, as the restaurant seats 100 inside and 90 out.

Naturally, the most important factor is how the food tastes, and the Lounge’s modern British menu featuring tapas with a twist is inspired. Sharing dishes is always pleasant on a date night and the starters were demolished democratically and with gusto. We enjoyed the combination of rustic bread with succulent potted shrimp given a lemony paprika kick, a creamy pear waldorf salad on a bed of crisp little gem lettuce and a melt-in-the-mouth mozzerella, fig and sundried tomato tower. Best of all though was the snappy tempura whitebait served with mayonnaise.

Downstairs is the Barbican Foodhall, which opened last month and uses English brands where possible. The deli counter is teeming with exceptional salads, artisan breads and cupboard staples, plus old-fashioned sweets in jars, cupcakes, sandwiches with unfussy fillings and hot meal boxes, available for £10. The contemporary space is subtlely lit with glowing bulbs inside old olive jar lights and you can eat in at communal or individual tables or takeaway, seven days a week. The waterside area on the ground floor is still under construction, so enjoy the quiet nights up above on the terrace while you can.

For those wanting a quick feast the Barbican Lounge will be offering a Dine & Dash menu where diners can be out of the door in 50 minutes, or receive their money back.

Details: www.foodatbarbican.co.uk