Who’d have known that towering above Shoreditch, hidden in the Crowne Plaza Hotel would be a top restaurant with one of the best views in London?

The Venue
Located on one of the top floors of the Crowne Plaza London - Shoreditch, a quick ride up in the comfortable lift, is the Globe Restaurant. This is a comfortable, pleasant dining area, with well distanced seating and attractively presented tables, complete with gleaming silverwear and crisp white tablecloths. There’s not a great deal to talk about – it’s all pretty standard. That is, until you see the view. With a huge window dominating one side of the restaurant, the view is nothing short of breathtaking. Showing off London and all her splendour, you can see all the way from the towers of Canary Wharf, past the Gherkin, right around to North London’s Ally Pally on a clear night. Incredible. Putting other restaurant settings far in the shade, it’s a place that must be seen to be believed.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Globe Restaurant is one of calm. Everything is very relaxed, unhurried and pleasant. The staff are professional and courteous – running from the chef to the waiting staff – and there’s none of the stuffiness that can sometimes accompany hotel restaurants. In fact, it hardly feels like a hotel at all. It’s also a fine choice for a romantic meal – just make sure you secure a seat by the window! If you’re coming here expecting to capture a part of the trendy vibe Shoreditch is so famous for, you’ll be disappointed (or relieved, depending on your point of view!) as this is a refined place – Mohawks and skinnys to be left at the door!

The Food
The food at the Globe Restaurant is a refreshing array of Modern British dishes. Among a plethora of new restaurants offering a range of Italian, French and Asian Fusion, this makes a refreshing change of pace.

Starters average at around £10 a go, and don’t skimp on the portion size. Dishes include everything from Scottish lobster soup, a stilton and pear salad, smoked salmon and duck foie gras - you’ll be hard pushed not to find something to tickle the tastebuds. The Warm golden beetroot, soused mackerel, poached duck egg and pickled walnut salad is especially delicious and worth particular note. Although slightly vinegary on the palate (what with the beetroot and pickled walnut), the mackerel and runny, juicy duck egg help to counteract this. The mackerel isn’t overpowering, despite being a strong flavoured fish, and the walnut salad is just enough so as to make its presence known without taking over the whole dish.

There is a large selection of mains on offer, covering all the bases from a good vegetarian selection (including dishes like onion squash and Village Green goat’s cheese flan, truffled cauliflower pure, braised turnip and kale) a selection of meats like the slow roasted pork belly, corn fed chicken, roast Oxfordshire beef fillet and thyme and mustard crusted saddle of lamb, alongside their excellent fish choice. From monkfish to Cornish cod, sea bream to Scottish haddock, there is something for everyone. Coming in at an average £20 a dish, it’s a little pricey, but well worth every penny. Especially recommended are the fish dishes, being light, fresh and brought in from the market daily. Whatever your poison, the large portioned, well presented and delicious dishes are right on the money.

Desserts are rather pricey at £7 each, but come in heaped portions and offer a big selection covering all the sweet bases. Worthy of particular mention is the crunchy vanilla parfait with rosemary poached Williams pears. The vanilla parfait is creamy and light, missing out on the stodge factor of so many desserts. You get your full hit of sugar and cream with none of the bloatedness. The passion fruit creme brulee, however, just misses out on being exquisite. Coming with a deliciousy subtle, creamy and light ice cream, the passion fruit in the creme brulee is just overcomplicating an already perfect dish. It’s cooked brilliantly, with the crispy top just sugary enough to not rot the teeth, whilst the creamy pudding beneath is light and fluffy. The passion fruit is a taste that doesn’t really go and is too sickly – although it’s a nice twist for lovers of fruity flavours.

The Drink
There’s the usual choice of restaurant beverages at the Globe Restaurant. Although the wine list won’t receive any awards for originality, there’s a strong selection of reds, whites and roses to tickle the tastebuds. Coming from across the globe (mind the pun!) and with staff on hand to explain what to expect from each bottle, you’ll be hard pushed not to find one to suit you. Ranging across the price range from the budget to the expensive, you won’t have to spend a fortune to find a bottle you rate.

The Last Word
Overall, the food is of a high quality and, although quite expensive, for the ambience of the restaurant and the incredible view, Globe Restaurant is well worth every penny and should be on everyone’s ‘must try’ lists.

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