Fluid Eating's Review of Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen – a stylish restaurant and bar in, you've guessed it, Hoxton Square. You could almost feel like you were in a sophisticated Sao Paulo venue, with the chilled restaurant next to the happening Hoxtonite bar, well according to my Brazilian companion...
Very Latin American is the large glass facade, which during the summer opens up to the patio on Hoxton Square. Though why limit yourself to London's summer? Some brave souls were seated outside on a brasic January evening, and not due to lack of space inside as they had their jackets off and were chatting comfortably under the heaters, that obviously work well.
We took the long way round to the restaurant walking through the moodily lit bar area, that has an industrial feel and mellow, minimalistic appearance. The restaurant is furnished by comfortable black leather sofas, that are great lounging material between courses and are surprisingly functional for eating. Walls are adorned by the an eclectic choice of trendy and amusing postal images. Music in the restaurant was a mix of laid back Blues and Jazz – perfect for an intimate meal or a more lively celebration.
Food is superb. A very generous Antipasto of Serrano & Spanish Cheese for starters (£7 for one or £12.50 to share). Beef Wellington at £14. If they say their special is fish, then believe them! The fillet Halibut with lentils and a Cabernet Sauvignon (yep it was Red Cabernet) & Lemon sauce was exquisitely cooked, so tender. To follow the Wellington a light dessert such as the salad of peaches, plums, strawberries, rockmellon, kiwi fruit, passion fruit & pineapple with ice cream goes down a treat.
The drinks menu is varied, though the full bodied red - Casa De La Ermita, Organic Monastrell at under £20 went well with the Beef. Hoxton Square Bar offer a good variety of cocktails and a selection of bottled beers such as Corona, Kirin & Samuel Smiths and for those that like, there's Italian Prosseco di Gica.
Brunch, French toast, pancakes and full English breakfast are served during the day on weekends. The kitchen is open 'by ear' but often through till 10.30pm during the week and 11pm on Frid & Sat. Service is efficient, knowledgeable and pleasurable.
One huge improvement has been the addition of an efficient air conditioning system – so no longer do revelers in the club have to deal with sweat dripping from the ceiling.
Reviewed by Felix
Description:
A 450 capacity bar and restaurant on Hoxton Square, comprising three separate bars, a restaurant and a gig venue. Hoxton plays host to various band and club nights every week. They run live bands and events from Monday to Thursday and Club nights from Friday to Sunday. The Hoxton has three bar areas servicing the restaurant, band and club area and of course the main bar. The bars are free entry every night and are open until 2am every Friday and Saturday. Food is available throughout the bar from 11:30am to 11pm seven days a week. We do not take bookings in the bar areas. Please arrive early for a space. Alternatively you can book a table in the restaurant for lunch, brunch or dinner. Open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights with Hoxton resident DJs and free entry. (Updated 18/11/2009)
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