Cactus Blue

The place where the hip folks of Chelsea hang out and party away their weekends in style is at the quietly fashionable end of Fulham Road, in an impressive glass-fronted building housing a stunning restaurant and bar. Funky, trendy and all other adjectives in between have been used to describe Cactus Blue, with its different levels of atmosphere inside.

All eyes are first drawn to the dazzling jewel studded chandelier in the Main Gallery, while the magnificent under-lit marble bar is the centre piece surrounding the conversation and some of the best cocktails in London. Further behind is the more private Haven, a romantic interlude with stained glass skylights and softly glowing with candle light, perfect for those private parties for friends and acquaintances.

The Mezzanine restaurant on the next floor opens a window into the cuisine and aesthetics of South West America and Mexico. Owner Brian Stein was influenced by the refreshing simplicity and directness of the Native American culture and wanted to take this approach and inject it into the London bar and restaurant scene. As a result, the eclectic menu offers a mélange of Creole, Cajun and Hispanic traditions and the décor features some arresting, primitive American artefacts, paintings and fabric.

Those wishing to settle down for a proper meal will be happy to note that they can choose any a selection of appetisers such as classic cheese nachos, firecracker buffalo chicken wings and chilli salt crispy squid. Some of these such as grilled Cajun chicken and cheddar quesadilla and New England crab cakes are simply too good to pass up.

The food is pared down to a few ingredients and created by pan-frying, grilling and pickling, with piquancy provided by selected ethnic seasonings and fast yet simple cooking techniques. The goat's cheese and roasted vegetable enchilada with basil and coriander and smoked chilli and tomato sauce, and pan-roasted sea bass with sautéed new potatoes, pineapple salsa and mixed leaves are some of the more unusual items on the menu.

The buzzy atmosphere is further keyed up with projectors shooting stars across the ceiling, but if its action you're looking for, then the bird's eye view of the gallery downstairs would also suffice. The top most floor houses The Attic, a martini bar, and with its antique bookshelves and granite fireplaces, it exudes a soothing and warm ambience, quite different from what you may have experienced below. The remarkable collection of spirits and fine wines, creative martinis and tequilas on offer are the real draw on this highest perch of the restaurant.

They are happy to accept bookings and enquiries by email while there is also daily private hire for corporate/non corporate bookings and for parties from 10 - 140 guests. Why not call with your details and ask for a quote? All catering is prepared and served in-house only.

Cactus Blue's trendiness goes up a notch higher when you visit their excellent Website where you can view their menus and surf for information regarding events and parties. Do note that they are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.