A warm, welcoming bar and restaurant just a stone’s throw from Victoria station.

The Venue
Based over two floors, The Ebury easily blurs the lines between bar, pub and restaurant. Whilst the upstairs is more formal, the ground floor is homey and warm, with dark woods and low tables and chairs. Large, curved windows let light in and big circular lamps hang from the ceiling. There are several different areas, including a more traditional dining area, a stately, impressive bar and a long, high table flanked with round stools. Tucked away in the corner is a lounge-type area that seems to cater more for drinking than dining.

The Atmosphere
Although technically in Chelsea, The Ebury is only about a five minute walk from Victoria station, making it a popular spot with commuters as well as the Sloane Square crowd. Diners and drinkers are all well dressed, thirtysomething and over, with an even mix of friends, families and dates. There’s a welcoming buzz in the air and it always seems busy, no matter what time or day of the week it is. Thanks to the bar-style seating, it all feels very laid back, without being too casual. Staff are polite and service is quick.

The Food
Think old fashioned comfort food. There’s nothing too posh on the menu at The Ebury, just loads of warming, traditional dishes with a bit of a twist to keep the food from being too old school. Prices aren’t outrageous for the posh postcode but they’re not exactly cheap, either, with starters ranging from £3.50 for a pair of oysters to £9 for a charcuterie selection, and mains from £9.50 to £15, plus a chateaubriand for two at £39.

White bean minestrone (£4.50) is a great winter warmer on a cold evening and smells fantastic. It’s delicate but still filling, with a generous portion of diced veg and a large pesto-flavoured tortellino. The organic smoked salmon starter (£7) is a good choice if you’re in the mood for something light. The fish is fresh and creamy, with thin ribbons of shredded cucumber adding texture and a refreshing, cool taste. A few scattered beetroot chips are an unusual but colourful addition Pan-fried sea bass (£15), although it could be served slightly warmer, is tender and perfectly cooked. It’s served on a bed of wilted spinach, scattered with cockles and accompanied by side sauces of creamy artichoke puree and a more acidic shallot sauce to balance the dish. Bavette steak is also nicely cooked to order and is juicy and well flavoured thanks to the earthy mushrooms and creamy spinach served alongside. Side dishes are £3.50 and include a tangy tomato and onion salad and a mashed potato dish that, although it has a nice, smooth texture, is slightly too salty.

For dessert, the sticky date pudding (£5.50) is rich and sweet, complemented well by the sugary butterscotch sauce. A chocolate fondant (£5.50) is cooked just right, soft and warm on the outside and gooey in the centre, and the accompanying pistachio ice cream stands up to the strong chocolate taste.

The Drink
The Ebury has a good cocktail selection as well, priced between £7.60 and £9.50. The Hot Winter (£7.80), a seasonal drink, is served in a large, low brandy glass, with a short layer of the drink resting underneath slices of fresh apple. Made with rum, crème de mure and vanilla sugar, it’s warming, spicy and slightly fruity. The Riveting Raspberry (£8.60), a combination of raspberry vodka, Chambord, raspberry puree and Champagne, is a pretty, girly drink that’s cool and refreshing.

The large wine list includes bottles from pretty much every major wine producing country, with the majority from France. Only a few are available by the small and large glass, and bottles start from £15 which is more than reasonable for the area. The South African Chenin Blanc (£5/£7.50/£13.50) is crisp and light, whilst the Chateau de Ricaud, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux (£6.50/£8.65/£26) is a full bodied red that works with steak quite nicely.

The Last Word
A good choice if you’re near Victoria, whether you fancy just a drink or a full meal.

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