Arbutus
Arbutus Summary
- Address: 63-64 Frith Street, London, W1D 3JW (Map)
- Tel: +44 (0)20 7734 4545
- E-mail: Click here to contact
- Cuisine(s): French, Modern European
- Opening Times: Mon - Sat: 12:00 - 14:30 17:00 - 23:00
Sun: 12:00 - 15:00 17:30 - 22:30 - Avg Price: £42.00
- Party Planner: Group bookings & Party planner
(Avg Price is the average cost per person for two courses, coffee, half a bottle of house wine and tip/service)
Arbutus Description
A sense of dèja vû may well prevail in the newly opened Arbutus in Frith Street, Soho when Chef Anthony Demetre returns to his old haunts at what, in 1993, was then Bistrot Bruno (Loubet). Now teamed up with manager Will Smith the pair are operating a 60-seater restaurant with a small bar for up to 12 people.
The décor carries much use of natural materials, colours and design motifs, including subtle use of the arbutus, or strawberry tree. Typical dishes include a salad of Jersey Royals, watercress, spring onions and goat's curd, sea bream, risotto of sea lettuce and cockles, or saddle of rabbit, shoulder cottage pie, hispi cabbage and mustard sauce.
Desserts of floating island with pink pralines and custard, or warm chocolate soup with caramelized brioche and pecan nuts help to reinforce the tendency towards innovation.
Expect also to see recreations of forgotten dishes such as pied-paquets, matelote of eel and tendron of veal, together with a selection of dishes designed to rouse thoughts of a montage of robust and light-hearted offerings from the kitchen.
A list of around 60 wines starts at £12.50 a bottle, with all wines served in 250ml carafes, a nice touch.
Fixed Lunch
- £13.50 (2 courses) to £15.50 (3 courses)
Fixed Dinner
- £15.50 (2 courses) to £17.50 (3 courses), 5 - 7 pm
Your Reviews of Arbutus
Clare Ed (15 April 2009)
I have to confess that I was very disappointed with the menu at Arbutus. Having eaten well at Wild Honey I found the menu far too stodgy and the set lunch was not particularly appealing. I had a salad of sprouting broccoli and goats’ cheese curd, I think, which was really poor. No dressing at all, it also had three lumps of potato, which wasn't mentioned on menu, if it was I would not have ordered, some fried lardons and what amounted to half a radish, sliced. This was something like £8! Bread was nice and service good but they should lighten up the menu - less rice, potato and pasta please.
John Carrick (11 April 2008)
I was greeted by a cheerful staff on arrival, who took my coat and bags. Once I was seated, warm bread was promptly brought to my table by a happy waiter. The delicate lighting combined with the wooden floor created quite an atmosphere. I had pork porchetta with granny smith apple puree for starters. I chose the pollock for my main course. While I waited, I examined the wine list, which was concise yet varied. I rather liked the idea of the carafe, it meant I could try more than one wine they had to offer. As I ordered fish I went for a 250ml carafe of the Gewurztraminer, unfortunately no suggestions were offered, so I had to wait and see if the right combination had been made. The pollock arrived and it was cooked perfectly. To go with the fine selection of fromagerie cheese, I ordered the Chateau Batailley 1999. What is usually a wonderful wine was spoilt because it was served cold. However the delicious selection of cheese on the plate made up for that. I had the lemon tart for dessert - a wonderful end to the meal. I shall be returning soon.
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Additional Info for Arbutus
Children welcome
Groups allowed
Air conditioning
Outside seating
Reservations
Cover Charge
- House red: £12.50
- House white: £12.50
- Service charge: 12.5% (optional)
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