As this place is pretty easy to find being only 2 minutes walk from Leicester Square tube station, the customary arguing over directions/maps didn’t take long. Stephen was so visibly disappointed that I had been able to get us there so easily he suggested a walk around to “kill some time” but I had spotted his cunning plan to get us lost so he could claim an epic fail and overruled him.
Once inside we were warmly welcomed by staff and secured a table by the window which proved to be an ideal people watching spot. Well I say people watching but really this is code for a Stephen appraisal of the fashion sense/physical attributes of more or less every single passer-by (I‘ve also heard his management appraisals follow the same theme). It’s not even slightly annoying….
Getting back to the purpose of the visit though the food and cocktails menus are impressive, the cocktails one being so extensive it’s actually a book. First choice for me had to be the rhubarb and raspberry martini and it was easily the nicest cocktail I’ve had all year. It tasted as fresh as if the edible flower on top had just that second been picked. It’s made with the French liqueur Chambord which I love because the bottle reminds me of vintage perfume bottles, and Chase rhubarb vodka.
Stephen had a Gincello which also looked pretty, in fact when I suggested this might be a bit too girly for his big touch macho image (he thinks) he responded with “I’m going to <expletive deleted> drink it not <expletive deleted> it”. The smug expression on his face indicated he liked the blend of gin, limencello, and fruit juice topped with prosecco.
Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to trouble so it was time for food with Stephen choosing an appetizer of chicken skewers with peanut butter, coconut, lemongrass and green chilli. It wasn’t around for long and in an unprecedented healthy move even ate the watercress that it came with.
His 8oz British beef burger on a toasted brioche bun with Isle of Mull cheese and smoked bacon was a surprising success. This is because he had constantly looked across to the Five Guys across the road muttering that nothing could be as good as their burgers. In the end though he had to admit that he enjoyed it and the bacon was crispier on his Scarlet’s burger so disaster was averted.
My kale, radish, mango, walnut & ricotta salad was an interesting blend of flavours, was fresh and light and was perfectly accompanied by my glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc which I can (and do) drink by the bottle (Stephen would probably insert ‘more like from the bottle‘).
The butternut squash & spinach risotto that followed was well seasoned, not too heavy or sticky and such a generous portion that it couldn’t be finished. There was just about room for a pudding of grilled figs with honey crème fraiche that was a welcome and refreshing end to a lovely meal.
Scarlet’s really is that rare thing in central London, affordable, good quality, friendly and fun. We’re going back as I am dying to try the pornstar martini sharer cocktail. I just think it would be the perfect end to a stressful day at the office followed by some dancing downstairs (they’re open until 3am). Just maybe not on a school night….
RECOMMENDED
Scarlet’s
Upper St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9NY
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This looks amazing! I love cocktails. My favourite cocktail bar is Dirty Martini. I'll have to try this place out.
ReplyDeleteXO Lottie
www.withlovelottie.uk
Ooh thpse cocktails look lovely - I could do with one now in the sunshine ;-)
ReplyDeleteHandy location. Would be definitely up for a cocktail or two, then squeeze in the rib-eye steak that I have spotted on the menu!
ReplyDeleteLovely review, love the look and sound of the food, and the cocktails sound fab.
ReplyDelete#UKBloggers
Oh what some delicious sounding food - I wouldn't mind going and tucking into a meal.
ReplyDeleteOoh that looks fab, will have to drop in when I'm next in Covent Garden, I do love a good cocktail :)
ReplyDeleteCocktails, good food and great prices in central London ... might have to pop in this weekend. The kale salad looks and sounds amazing
ReplyDeleteI have to say this bar looks right up my street. Where I live you can't get a decent cocktail!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good excuse to make your own (and stronger) cocktails Mellissa! Stephen ;o)
DeleteLove cocktails, hardly have them but I'm in London this weekend so......
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely :) Will have to drop by next time I'm in Covent Gardens :)
ReplyDeleteIt's well worth it John - the club downstairs looks like it could get pretty lively at the weekend. Stephen :o)
DeleteI nabbed half your burger which was lovely and those figs were amazing x
ReplyDeleteWhat's so good is that you could go for so many different occasions and work your way through the food and cocktails menu and not get bored. The downstairs late-night club looks pretty fun too for those nights when you just don't want the party to end or need a chill-out drink before heading home.
ReplyDeleteoh ive still not tried figs heard good things so i think i should
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fantastic place!
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely Rebecca and my burger was amazing, but far too filling. My wife arrived just in time to polish off the half I would probably have left. Stephen :o)
DeleteNow do you think my husband would agree to go out for cocktails for our anniversary?
ReplyDeleteYou should insist!
DeleteI'm feeling very envious. Cocktails and ricotta cheese are right up there on the list of things I'd love to consume at the moment, but pregnancy is spoiling my fun!
ReplyDeleteHmm ths looks really good, it is a long time since I've been for cocktails. Mich x
ReplyDeleteOoh I really love the decor here. Always tricky to find new and quirky places in and around that area. A great find :)
ReplyDeleteThe cocktails look amazing! I'd love to visit one day! xx
ReplyDeleteSounds fab - yummy cocktails and great looking food - will put it on my list!
ReplyDeleteNow I wish I lived closer! Looks a wonderful venue
ReplyDeleteI love the sound and look of the rhubarb and raspberry martini! And that food looks absolutely delicious!
ReplyDeleteAnywhere with a whole book of cocktails has to be worth a visit!
ReplyDeleteScarlets sounds like a great combination especially with that rather fabulous looking food! What a great thing to do on a Monday too :)
ReplyDeleteThey look so yummy, would love a trip down there x
ReplyDeleteThis place looks fantastic - I don't think I have ever had a proper cocktail! Kaz x
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