The ViewLondon Review
Sheltered away on a quiet street in Covent Garden – mere metres from the hustle and bustle of Long Acre – lies this delightful little jazz club, bar and restaurant; catering for all your needs as the evening unfolds.The VenueWith a silvery grey, deceivingly small frontage and shining sign proclaiming OCTAVE in large letters, it’s hard to miss this tardis of a venue. Stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by something other than what you might expect from a jazz club. There’s no dark and dingy, smoky atmosphere (which still prevails in many similar establishments, even after the ban); instead this is a clean, pleasantly appealing bar and restaurant that is as comfortable as it is modern.
Divided up into handy regions, the large bar and surrounding drinking area (with plenty of standing room) is what greets you. Beyond this lies the stage with a few dining tables placed directly in front, and beside this is another, larger dining area. Just be warned, you should request a table with a view of the stage or you won’t be able to see the act, which may be disappointing if that’s why you’re there. There’s an eclectic series of artwork spread across the walls, depicting various jazz images, which is a nice touch. Thought has even been put into the toilet area, where the various good reviews of the venue are placed behind glass for you to peruse.
The AtmosphereThe atmosphere is a big draw for Octave. It’s a real mix of different vibes – from the bar area, reserved for those out for a few drinks and chatter, to the dining area, for serious diners after experiencing the whole package. Few people pay close attention to the act unless they’re on the tables right in front of the stage, but it adds an interesting dimension to the usual background music. With different acts every day it means that two trips to Octave can be totally different, so it’s worth returning to experience different music and atmospheres.
You can expect this place to be pumping at the weekends, as every area fills to bursting. The bustling nature of the club can mean that getting served may take a while, but you won’t mind as the entertainment level is so high. Sit back, relax and chill.
The FoodThe food is a real draw for Octave, with an exciting menu of high-quality, not overly expensive dishes. If you’re after a light but flavoursome starter then try the unpasturised buffalo mozzarella for just £7.95. Presented on a bed of artichokes, grissini and spiced aubergine with a light black olive dressing, the sharp flavour of the dressing counteracts the creamy mozzarella with aplomb. This cheese is so easily underplayed, but instead comes to the fore with the clever play of ingredients. However, the pierce de resistance as far as the starters go has to be the steamed mussels in a white wine and dill sauce with chargrilled garlic bread for a mere £6.50. Each mussel is painstakingly prepared to make sure the grit is removed and cooked to absolute perfection without even a hint of rubberyness. The sauce is creamy and delicious and works well with the deep seafood flavours the mussels provide. Not stingy on portion sizes, you’ll be amazed at the price and quality of this dish. Simply divine.
The mains continue to impress. The pan roast corn fed chicken supreme comes with a celeriac puree - which is akin to mashed potatoes, only creamier - toasted hazelnuts, broccoli and Madeira juice. For £14.90, it’s fantastic value for money and extremely tasty. Just be warned, it’s also extremely rich – the chicken is tender and full of flavour, the celeriac puree is creamy and filling and the hazelnuts are sweet and plentiful. It’s possible to just eat this and be happily full. Especially good is the pan roast fillet of pork with vegetables, creamed cabbage and bramly apple sauce. The pork (£15.95) is beautifully presented in long slivers that melt in the mouth with distinct ham-like flavours. Not as salty as gammon, it’s cut through nicely with the taste of the apple sauce, adding a sweet edge to each bite. Not overpowering, the creamed cabbage is a light addition and it’s recommended you also bulk up with a couple of sides. The mashed potato is amazingly creamy, and the French beans and spinach are as good as you’ll have tasted anywhere else.
For desserts, the vanilla panna cotta with rhubarb is a steal at £4.95. The panna cotta is a little slimy, but the flavour is a hit of creamy vanilla undertones that melt in the mouth. The rhubarb is an excellent accompaniment, with its tart fruit flavour adding a much needed oomph to the dessert, rounding up the meal with aplomb.
The DrinkThe drinks menu is as well thought out and eclectic as the food menu, covering a range of classics but adding clever twists. Who’d have thought that a creme brulee martini would work? Or even a vanilla custard martini, fusing the kitchen with the bar. Especially good is the caramel martini – almost a dessert in its own right, it’s creamy and delicious, perfect for those who don’t like the overly alcoholic tastes of martinis usually. Their range of mojitos is also excellent, with the largest choice of flavours you’ll have ever seen. Grape mojito anyone? Just be prepared for the large amount of mint used – this is traditional, after all! The belinis are decent and not as expensive as many other Champagne options at the surrounding bars, and, all in all, you can’t fail to be dazzled.
You can also order from a large selection of wine lists and even get a beer, but why bother when there’s so much to try on the cocktail list? Go with the bar staffs’ recommendations and try something different and exciting – especially recommended are the grape options, which may be an unusual choice, but prove to be delicious. And with plenty of change from a tenner, you can drink your way across the menu and not break the bank.
The Last WordIf you’re bored of the usual restaurants and bars then this jazz and live music club is for you. Offering a little taste of everything – and doing it well – you can’t help but be impressed by Octave. Who needs multiple venues when you can eat, drink and make merry all under one roof?