While in London, we had the pleasure of catching up with the London team over dinner at Langbourns. This was a rare occasion and one we wanted to celebrate in style.
We were in our element as each of us adores seafood, this restaurant’s speciality, they even have an Oyster Bar which sent thee of the team into raptures!
The restaurant, has a great location opposite Leadenhall Market and on entering, you get a sense of its history with rich tones of leather and wood. There’s a large bar where you can simply order drinks if not dining, or enjoy pre-dinner drinks before being seated at your table. The restaurant itself is much larger than expected with really spacious seating at each table, giving a feeling of privacy for everyone. Because of this, we chose to enjoy our cocktails at our table whilst looking over the menu.
Three of the group were definitely in the mood for Langbourns Colchester Mignonette Oysters, devouring three each in no time, collectively describing them as a fresh, meaty taste of the sea. Sounded amazing but personally oysters are not for me, which is strange as I am passionate about all other seafood.
On to our starters and after watching those oysters go down so well, I was hungry and ready to appreciate my Salmon Tartare, cucumber and elderflower salad, crème fraiche and Melba toast. Wow! That was a starter worth waiting for! Beautiful fresh flavours which complemented the salmon perfectly. I could have eaten that as a main course.
The others chose Laverstock Buffalo Mozzeralla, grilled artichokes, sour cherry harissa – the feedback was “Full of flavour and be ready for the kick!”. Comments on the Crayfish and Prawn Cocktail, avocado, cherry tomato and Bloody Mary sauce included, “delicious, hit the spot” and “one of the best I have ever tasted!”. The final starter was Wild Mushroom Parfait, onion chutney, smoked garlic and truffle sourdough which was rich and earthy, showcasing wild mushrooms at their best!
Well, that was a great start and our expectations had been elevated for the main courses to come. Those expectations were well and truly met! The Epic Jumbo Prawns were monsters! I mean the biggest any of us had seen – ever! Not only that, they were sweet, meaty and succulent, every finger was licked clean. Our seafood passion was being well and truly indulged.
My Dover Sole was chosen from the ‘Specials Board’. It was everything I hoped it would be, firm fresh meaty flakes with a mild sweet flavour. The Braised Beef Cheek and Seaweed Suet Pudding with crispy oyster, apple and bone marrow gravy packed a punch of flavours, the meat was unbelievably tender and the seaweed suet pudding was a stroke of culinary genius. This dish is the perfect example of elevated comfort food.
Finally, Cuttlefish Spaghetti Nero, cherry tomato, sesame chilli, Pangrattato. This was sunshine on a plate to look at, a lovely summer dish with a mild, creamy flavour from the Cuttlefish, perfectly balanced with the sweet tomato and slightly spicy chilli. The Sauvignon Blanc we chose for the meal worked beautifully with every dish.
Yes, we are all fish and seafood lovers but the great thing about Langbourns is that they have delicious meat options from the grill too and if you’re watching the pennies, a good fixed price menu is available.
Langbourns is a great place to choose for a meal out with friends, family and colleagues, it’s also perfect for celebrations. The service is spot on and you will be very well looked after, as we were.
Top marks from Team H&N. Make your reservation and tell them we sent you.
Enjoy!
Review and images by Team H&N!
Feature image supplied
