Listen up – the latest foodie hub to hit the capital is Bloomberg Arcade – slap bang in the city, it’s the covered pedestrian walkway running through Bloomberg’s new European Headquarters and Vinoteca have moved in!
Hopefully you made good use of their soft launch but if you didn’t, fear not it’s still well worth a visit!
First of all – it’s gorgeous. We loved the big neon lights pointing out the dedicated wine shop (perfect for grabbing a top notch tipple on the way home!) and the mezzanine dining area which overlooks the main restaurant will be just PERFECT for all your Christmas party needs – book it up NOW!
It’s a slick operation, with attentive staff, an open-plan kitchen taking centre stage in the middle of the restaurant and a fun buzz abounds.
The menu is pretty extensive with bar snack style small plates (ideal if you just need a quick catch up after work with a gorgeous glass of vino – Pickled Spanish Anchovies, Garlic & Parsley – we’re looking at you), as well as cheese & meat boards and a dedicated shellfish section which should be up and running by the end of the week.
We started with Burrata (we can never resist) which was served with caponata (a lovely tomato-ey, aubergine little stew, with pine nuts) and the Cornish squid which is grilled and served with ‘Cima di Rapa’ (a leafy green similar to broccoli) with pancetta and Italian chilli which was fruity and well rounded.
It obviously goes without saying that Vinoteca know a thing or two about wine, but we really loved that each dish comes with a recommended glass – it just takes all the hassle out of choosing and keeps things tailored to everyone’s exact course.
Having said that if you are a total wine buff you’ll want a nose in the ‘Wine Ledger’ a little pink booklet that highlights uncommon ‘off-piste’ wines, all carefully curated and updated weekly by founders and wine experts Brett Woonton and Charlie Young. From classic varietals to gems discovered in lesser-known wine regions, through to unusual grapes, organic and biodynamic bins, there’s something for all tastes and budgets.
The fresh pappardelle sounded delish but as we’d had pasta for lunch, we’ll just have to return for that little treat. It was refreshing to see a delicious sounding vegan option – Cumin Roasted Cauliflower, Red Lentil Hummus, Shallots & Sherry Vinegar – but really the rest of the menu centres around fish and meat (think guinea fowl, pork chops and bavette steak). Our cod was a decent portion, served on scrumptious lentils with a touch of salsa verde, and we loved the dry Australian Clare Valley Riesling it was paired with.
Desserts are super decadent – flourless chocolate cake, caramelised buttermilk crème brûlée – and our treacle tart was served with a dollop of clotted cream so big it would make Mary Berry blush. Of course the wine pairings continue and we’re so grateful they did – the Val du Loire ‘Terre Quartz’ 2015 J Mourat was the ideal way to end the evening. If you prefer your desserts savoury, Neal’s Yard provide the cheese board.
Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch bookings can be made via: https://www.vinoteca.co.uk/locations/city.
