Last time I took my dad out reviewing with me he did not like the restaurant. Luckily I was silently confident that Avenue would not disappoint and so persuaded him to come along, nervous for his approval. Located down the historic shopping road, St. James’ Street in Mayfair, the restaurant is bright and attractive with a quiet sophistication. An ever changing art collection hangs on the Avenue walls providing unique and eclectic decoration, an intriguing talking point for visitors.
Offering contemporary modern British cuisine, the menu at Avenue is simple and smart. Bold flavours and vibrant ingredients are evidently crucial to the success of the dishes. I was thankful for the clear and comprehensive menu with a fair and balanced selection of meat, fish and vegetarian options. Our waiter for the evening was kind and efficient, checking up on us regularly without suffocating us with attention. Two tall flutes of cold champagne were delivered, a toast to our trip to Avenue.
The dishes were elegant, classic and delicious, understated and chic food to match the surroundings. To start I chose the Radish, Watercress & Rosary’s goat’s cheese salad, a delicate mix of flavours. The salad featured several varieties of radishes, each a pretty hue of pale pink. My dad, a fish lover opted for Roast Scallops, hazelnut crust, cauliflower & crispy pork and declared them the best scallops he’s ever had. Piled in delectable stacks they were beautifully cooked and composed.
Hungry after a hard Monday at work I indulged and chose the 28 day aged Herefordshire grilled fillet of beef, truffled mash and spinach. This looked divine, an array of juicy meat and piped speckled mashed potato. The high quality meat was delicious, tender and richly flavoured, for once I appreciated the spinach, freshly cooked greenery that added another dimension to the course. My only criticism is the food could have been a touch hotter, I like my food to be steaming on arrival. The Orkney Lamb with spinach, baby artichokes and roasted onions was a lovely wholesome dish, perfectly seasoned meat with sweet and aromatic onions and crisp artichokes. We were drinking a bottle of white, Garganega 2011, chosen carefully by our waiter, fruity and fresh in taste. Noting our red meat choices for main, he offered a glass of red, I declined but my dad greatly appreciated this kind gesture.
It is unlike me to go for a classic dessert, usually preferring the wacky experimental options… but at Avenue, impressed with the classics thus far, I decided to have the Apple tart and clotted cream. It was delicious, warm and sweet oozing with caramelised apples and homemade pastry, a decent ice cream scoop of clotted cream was a devilishly rich accompaniment. My dad predictably chose the Valrhona chocolate mousse, praline ice cream and smoked hazelnuts, a familiar pairing of flavours with a nice crunch from the hazelnuts. We didn’t need petit fours, but I was nonetheless glad when they arrived on a rustic wooden board, along with our tea and coffee.
Avenue was a resounding success with me, and my dad, and as we left he admitted he was already thinking for an excuse to return.
Visit the Avenue website here for more information and to book.