A wonderful addition to the Soho dining scene - perfect in every way.

The Venue
Arbutus is a large, U-shaped room with banquette seating and as well as comfortable bar seating. The room has a quiet, relaxing vibe thanks to the neutral and dark wood decor combination. Book your table way in advance as they get very booked up.

The Atmosphere
Intimate is the best word for this venue. Service is welcoming and knowledgeable from the front desk to the bill delivery at the end. It is perfect for a first date - or even blind date if you stop by for a drink at the bar. It is unlikely to ever get raucous; it is too civilised for that.

The Food
Your tastebuds will think they died and went to heaven. Arbutus is the sort of place that puts back faith in the London restaurant scene. There is a short, extremely well composed, seasonal menu. The pig’s head starter is a delightfully melting slab of pork cheek garnished with gherkins and utterly delicious. The eel with beetroot is another well executed flavour explosion, whilst the cepes (porcini mushrooms) and eggs are sublime. The red wine risotto is perfectly seasoned and comforting, but the major revelation is the squid and mackerel burger - so refined and light you may want to order it twice in a row. Desserts include a fragrant fig and pecan dish and fabulous cheeses like Cornish Yarg. The lunch and pre-theatre menus are an absolute steal.

The Drink
This is the best bit. Arbutus lets you pick any wine under £100 a bottle and try it in 250 cl carafes with a correspondent drop in price - sheer genius! Chassagne Montrachet and Gevrey Chambertin need no longer be inaccessible dream bottles. There are also very well priced bottles on offer as will as Champagne and wines by the glass.

The Last Word
You will not regret any meal at Arbutus-it makes a special occasion even more special.

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