Old Fashioned Fun in Stylish New Surroundings at Old Compton Brasserie
Soho is at the heart of London’s nightlife and good old fashioned drinking dens. Lining the streets are everything from hipster clubs to historic pubs, wine bars nestle comfortably between pop-ups and members clubs, and here we found ourselves – right in the thick of it at Old Compton Brasserie.
This all-day restaurant and bar serves modern British cuisine complimented by a cutting-edge cocktail selection, created by The Talented Mr Fox.
All your average cocktails are available if you have a favourite, but we were here to try the Specials – and boy, were they special?
The Talented Mr Fox is the brainchild of highly acclaimed mixologist Matt Whiley, who has created some of the world’s most inventive cocktails. Old Compton Brasserie’s list, inspired by Soho’s most treasured legends, incorporates bold, punchy flavours with unique ingredient combinations.
Quirky standouts include ‘The Paul Raymond’ an ode to the ‘King of Soho,’ made with champagne, strawberry, white chocolate, and verJus, served in a faux fur jacket flute; and the ‘Regina Fong’, a homage to the drag queen who attracted a large cult following in London cabaret venues and gay bars in the ’90s, made with Ciroc apple, pear purée, lemon juice and ginger ale, topped with black pear foam.
We loved the Spring in Soho, a refreshing mix of Finlandia lime, Cointreau, 8 brio verjus, Rhubarb syrup and lemon. In fact we loved it so much we ordered a carafe. Individual cocktails are £10, with a carafe for £30 – a great options for a larger group if you want to try several different concoctions.
Bottomless brunches and formal lunches are served at Old Compton Brasserie, but we were here for drinks and more relaxed dining so we ordered a selection of sharing plates from the plentiful menu.
The kedgeree scotch egg is an innovative and tasty twist on a British classic, while the generous portion of crudités was a crunchy feast complimented by a banging beetroot humous. But if there’s one thing you need to order it’s the whole baked camembert. Rich, creamy and packed with punchy garlic, the cheese oozed off our sourdough dippers as we desperately clamoured for more. You might not look sexy devouring this dish, but believe us you’ll fall in love anyway.
As the lights go down and the music goes up a party atmosphere fills the venue, and staff echoe the lively vibe with their smiles and chat. Our dedicated server Kaspar couldn’t have been more accommodating, and answered our every question as well as refilling carafes and glasses whenever they dared to approach empty.
Old Compton Brasserie is a welcoming and stylish find in the midst of more mainstream bars and cafés on Old Compton Street. We were guests of the venue for our summer drinks and we can’t wait to return for more.
- Old Compton Brasserie, 36 – 38 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TT. Nearest Tube Picadilly Circus/Tottenham Court Road. For more information see https://www.oldcomptonbrasserie.co.uk.
