The restaurant at 1 Lombard Street holds a Michelin star, and its adjoining brasserie is no less impressive in location, venue, or stunning food.

The Venue
1 Lombard Street is in the heart of the City, right next to Bank station, so easy to get to and right in the centre of the action. The brasserie itself is housed in a grade II listed former banking hall, with a beautiful domed sky light above the central, circular bar. Tables are scattered throughout the building underneath the high ceilings, with pine chairs and white linen tablecloths.

The Atmosphere
The entire place has an overwhelming feeling of luxury. The staff are fantastically attentive and helpful, and the clientele are mostly professionals from the surrounding area. From tables of two to large parties of twenty, there's a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, with the low hum of conversation and a general air of satisfaction.

The Food
The menu is extensive - almost bewilderingly so. Everything looks so fantastic you could spend hours deciding, but the waiters are happy to advise on dishes. The meal kicks off with an amuse bouche of parmesan and potato soup, with a delicious pesto gnocchi at the bottom. A starter of melt-in-the-mouth roasted bell peppers stuffed with flavoursome saffron rice is a delight, and Asian spiced roast pork belly is simply stunning. The glaze is sticky, the pork beautifully cooked, and the overall presentation is beautiful.

Main courses are just as much of a delight as the starters. A traditional Coq Au Vin is rich but not overpowering, and the tender chicken falls off the bone. A roast shoulder of lamb is cooked to perfection, and served atop a wonderfully flavoured bean and sausage cassoulet with garlic and parsley mash that was so good it would have made a brilliant dish on its own! Side orders hold their own as well, with nutmeggy spinach and green beans served with shallots. Dessert is preceded by a cherry and five spice granite to clear the palate, which sounds an odd combination but tastes wonderful and very clean. Perfect just before the lavish chocolate fondant, soft, oozing and rich with pistachio ice cream on the side. Blood orange gratin is warm and tart, served with rich chocolate ice cream to make it just that extra special. Prices aren't cheap, but the food is absolutely worth the price. Starters are around the £9 mark, and most mains will set you back about £18-£20.

The Drink
The extensive wine list is divided into regions, and there is something for everyone, from Corsica to Lebanon. The house wines hover around £25, and there's something to suit every pocket, with wines from £20 all the way up to £1,650. There's a large selection of Champagne as well for that special occasion, and if you prefer anything else the bar staff will happily oblige. If you like, the sommelier will happily recommend glasses of a wine to match your courses, including dessert.

The Last Word
1 Lombard Street cannot be faulted. Head to the City for fine dining, fine service and a fantastic evening.

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