Shoreditch House,
Ebor Street,
Shoreditch,
London,
E1 6AW
0871 971 6207
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
The restaurant at the oh-so-cool Shoreditch House draws in crowds of fashionable members night after night, but is the food any good?
The Venue
The House Kitchen is located on the fifth floor, adjacent to the bar. In terms of décor the fuss has been kept to a minimum, with a dining area filled with long pine tables and low hanging lamps, and a kitchen that's partially exposed. Just about the only ornamental feature is a very artificial looking book case separating the restaurant from the games area.
The Atmosphere
It may be a private members' club but there’s little chance of privacy here: tables are communal and it gets very busy. On a Monday night the restaurant is practically full by 8pm, so booking is therefore essential. Any notion of a quiet tete-a-tete may be dismissed now, however if you enjoy eavesdropping the conversations of City bankers and their girlfriends (who seem to make up most of the clientele) it’s the perfect setting.
The Food
The menu is Mediterranean-influenced comfort food. Calamari in batter has been deep fried for just a tiny bit too long as there’s a slight chewiness, while the accompanying lemon mayonnaise lacks any hint of citrus. The juicy grilled lamb cutlets with couscous fare better, as does the club steak, a smoky chunk of char-grilled meat with chips. There’s more deep fried goodness in the form of a heaped plate of crispy zucchini fritters, but it’s all a tad unremarkable. And the charge? It’s not cheap, but no more than what you’d expect from somewhere like this, with mains costing between £15 and £20. It’s just a shame that the food doesn't quite match the prices.
The Drink
As is befitting of a members' club there is extortionately priced champagnes and vintage wines, but will also get away with a more than decent merlot for £25, or a 2009 Gavi di Gavi for £38.
The Last Word
Having dinner at Shoreditch House may be considered the epitome of cool by many, but the food is far from mesmerising and you don’t even get your own table.
House Kitchen has been reviewed by 1 users