Just when you start thinking that you know this city like the back of your hand, POW, along comes Four Sisters Townhouse, nestled behind St Pauls, down a cobbled alleyway.
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped back in time as the gorgeous décor has a Dickensian feel to it. Think stuffed animals, dark wood panelling, House of Hackney-esque wallpaper and gilt mirrors. It’s part pub, part old boys club, part subterranean drinking den.
It’s the drinking den part that’s the real focus. Bar manager Andrei Marian passionately concocts a weekly changing drinks menu using seasonal ingredients in a ‘market-to-glass’ concept. We loved the punchy green Speedy Gonzales (tequila, coriander, grapefruit, jalapeno) and the Tamara’s Temper with gin comes complete with a cute sweet pea for a refreshing long drink.
If you’re just here for drinks take a pew at the bar and watch the magic happen, but if you happen to be here for lunch, make sure you’ve got your stretchy pants on.
The portions here are OBSCENE. That might be just the ticket for you but we genuinely couldn’t even finish our starters. If you’re up for the challenge the smoked salmon is the place to start. A generous mound of smoked salmon ribbons sit next to doorstep wedge slices of bread and half a block of butter. (We suggest ordering if for the table, seriously). Mains are just as hearty, we could barely see our 28 day aged rump steak under the thick cut chips. However, priced at just £13.75 it’s a steal, especially for the area. We liked the sound of the Artisanal sandwiches, priced at £7.50, if the size of our meal was anything to go by, these will be a bloody bargain. Get thinking of a work lunch excuse pronto.
Obviously pudding didn’t get a look in but if you really want to write off the rest of the afternoon they offer lunch time cocktails at £6.50 a pop.
As afternoon melts into evening, the menu shifts focus to nibbles and sharing plates. The artisan English cheese board is available for one to four to share, with fig and coffee chutney, biscuits and pear jelly, whereas the Butcher’s charcuterie platter provides a selection of cold meats, olives, pickles and watercress. Just the post-work sustenance you’re looking for.
Whatever time of day you visit, The Four Sisters Townhouse is your home away from home in the City.
