56 Carter Lane,
The City,
London,
EC4V 5EA
(020) 7236 4441
The ViewLondon Review
A classy establishment in the mazy side-streets of St. Paul’s, Carter Rooms offers excellent British cuisine and a sensational cellar.
The Venue
The Carter Rooms, a new venue from the people who own Southwark Rooms, is hidden away from the commotion of nearby Fleet Street on the cobbled, pedestrian-only Carter Lane, with overground and bus links close at hand and St. Paul’s tube station a short walk away, on the other side of the cathedral itself. Being within walking distance of the One New Change shopping complex should be good for business too.
A sombre façade gives way to a dimly-lit main room, with several comfortable and intimate booths situated off the central walkway. Further seating can be found towards the back of the room along with a small, rather functional dancefloor, where the lighting is geared towards a more convivial atmosphere. A DJ booth is placed dead centre overlooking the bar, which takes pride of place on the left hand side of the room, and it is stocked to the rafters with spirits and almost dazzlingly lit, in contrast to the more restrained black and white motif in place elsewhere.
The minimal décor includes tasteful modern art, speakers, mirrors, elaborate lampshades and, of particular note, is the open-front kitchen next to the bar, from which a mouth-watering array of food comes forth. A scaled-down version of the main bar and seating area can be found down the stairs off the main entrance, and this area is used exclusively for private functions (of up to 50 people) and sporting events.
The Atmosphere
Due to its secluded location and proximity to the City and Fleet Street, the Carter Rooms generally attracts an older, more business-oriented clientele – even towards the end of the week, when the neighbouring Patch Bar tends to attract the biggest crowds from the City exodus. That's not to say it's quiet, though. The staff are snappily dressed and extremely obliging, especially with regards to table service, and a sleek, soulful music collection and colour scheme ensure the bar keeps some of its edge and youthful verve. In the evenings, the mood is pitched just right, and with its versatile seating plan, it is an ideal location for almost any social gathering, from business lunches to off-the-record staff drinks.
The Food
Carter Rooms offers simple British produce, lovingly prepared and pulled off with aplomb – for instance, the salmon with bubble and squeak is a pleasant surprise at £8.50 and the various permutations of steak, sausages, pies, mash and gravy never fail to satisfy, without breaking the bank (£6-£10). For such a prestigiously-placed venue, the menu is invariably fulfilling and affordable – a rare combination indeed.
The Drink
The venue also stocks dozens of varieties of red, white and rose wine to pique the interest of even the most blasé of connoisseurs. From the highly passable house red (Los Espinos Merlot at £3.50 a glass) to the Montrachet Blanc at a cool £80 per bottle, there truly is something for everyone here. As well as a fairly standard selection of soft drinks, draught and bottled beers and ciders, there is a daunting and ever-changing cocktail menu (£7-£9) for the more adventurous among you – not least the ‘Restorative’ range with catchy names such as Corpse Reviver No. 2 (gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau and bitters) and Death in the Afternoon (champagne and absinthe, naturally). All prepared with a flourish by the waist coated professionals behind the bar.
The Last Word
With its fascinating drinks selection and commendable menu, this sophisticated and welcoming bar should be an after-work venue of choice for City-goers in this part of town.
Carter Rooms has been reviewed by 15 users