Tabernacle Bar & Grill Overview
The pallid landscape of the Leonard/Tabernacle Street junction seems an odd setting for this venue. Inside, soft orange lighting feeds warmth into the room. Vases filled with fresh flowers sit precariously by tables of brazen-skinned Hoxtonians. Mock Medieval, Errol Flynn-swinging chandeliers seem to hang purely for decoration. There is a sense that, in this light, anyone can look and feel better than when they came in.
If this is the Tabernacle then the Deep Fried Squid is its Ark of the Covenant. Served as a starter and soaked in an exceptional sweet tomato chilli jam sauce, it is simply one of the best seafood dishes in London for its price (£5.50). The rest of the menu is predominantly meat and fish focused and offers little for vegetarians other than pasta and salad alternatives. But this isn’t such a bad thing. There are seven hand-made pasta options, including ravioli, gnocchi and risotto, and several light starter salads.
Most main courses sit within the £10-£16 margin. The venison loin - with green beans, grilled aubergines and truffle (£14.95) - is beautifully cooked. Also, the seared swordfish loin is effectively combined with the delights of samphire, lemon mayo and caponata (£12.95).
In true Italian style there is a tempting selection of seven desserts. Included are: the filo crème brulee and poached apple, the homemade Tabernacle chocolates, and the chocolate, walnut and raisin brownie with blood orange curd. The bar also stocks a vast list of aperitifs, including limoncello, amaretto and Remy Vsop, as well as an original list of fruity cocktails. Italian red and whites dominate the wine list, with prices ranging from £12.50-£58 (whites) and £12.50-£80 (reds).
Downstairs is a club area for the late-nighters. Packed by a young crowd, with a live DJ, large-screen projector and plenty of seating for large groups, it is a perfect after-dinner rendezvous.
With the Hoxton and Old Street scene virtually bled to death, it is satisfying to find somewhere that provides a simple formula to such perfection. A mixture of young and old come to dine at the restaurant while both the up and downstairs bars are filled with a vigour that is both refreshing and unpretentious. (Updated 19/02/2007)
Additional Info: Cocktails, Security, Late License, Food, Non-Smoking Area, Cloakroom, Dancing License, DJ
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