A Divine Culinary Experience At Arthur Hooper’s

23 Jul A Divine Culinary Experience At Arthur Hooper’s

History tells us that Victorian Arthur Hooper was a delightful fruit salesman, who once occupied 8 Stoney Street. Recently derelict, the building’s historical ties to food and the local community have been lovingly restored.

I recently went along with a guest to taste, sample and explore the menu offerings from London’s latest chic and stylish eatery.

The London restaurant scene continues to grow at a rapid rate with a variety of establishments springing up and opening their doors all over the city. I had heard so much about Arthur Hooper’s restaurant and I was looking forward to finding out what was on offer.

Overlooking the iconic, vibrant and energetic surroundings of Borough Market, Arthur Hooper’s is a short stroll from London Bridge Station and serves European sharing plates, partnered with a curated wine list. On entering, I was greeted by Angus our delightful and welcoming host for the evening who kindly directed my guest and me to our table.

The 51-cover restaurant was bristling with diners both inside and outside and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The interior decor is slick and contemporary and designed by local fashion label Buster + Punch who have taken much inspiration from Borough Market which is evident from the crafted steel caged light fittings mixed with a dark bespoke hexagonal flooring.

The glistening marble table tops, tailored rare-wood cabinetry and modern pieces by acclaimed artists Matt Small and Dan Hiller strike the right tone and finish off the restaurant beautifully.

The talented and very personable Chef Lale Oztek’s trained at Le Cordon Bleu London and also cooked at renowned fine dining outposts such as Bernadi’s and Zucca – voted the best Italian restaurant in the 2015 National Restaurant Awards.

Chef Lale Oztek certainly brings her skill and superb craft to create a selection of plates that are inspired by fresh nutritious ingredients and flavours, sourced from the local market and London based suppliers including Cannon & Cannon, Bread Ahead and Androuet.

As my guest and I took our seats and began to explore the menu, we were guided by the knowledgeable and friendly Angus who helped navigate us through the plethora of dishes on offer and provided some excellent recommendations that would best be suited to our individual tastes.

We began with some Pitted Vinci Olives and some soft and fluffy Focaccia with Olive Oil to add extra flavour, both dishes were ever so moreish but just enough to prepare us for a number of sumptuous sharing plates to come.

Next to be served was the tasty Beef Carpaccio, salsa verde, capezzana olive oil which was sliced to perfection and enabled me to really taste the quality of the meat.

This was followed by the daring and sublime Burrata Samphire and Almond Salad which was spirited in taste and went down well. My guest and I both enjoyed the luscious Harrisa Butter Beans, Charred Tenderstem, Ricotta, Nigella seeds which had a real ambrosial taste to it.

The mouthwatering and heavenly Lamb and Bulgur Meatballs served in a rich tomato sauce, yoghurt, is a dish all meat eaters will simply love and it’s no surprise this plate is a real crowd pleaser.

For our main course, my guest opted for the delicious Mackerel with white beans, radish and brown shrimp which was well presented and cooked to distinction. I enjoyed the generous and sizeable offering of the Onglet Steak which was sliced and came with fragrant Asparagus, Sun-Dried Tomato and Walnut Dressing.

By now my dining partner and I were absolutely full from the tantalising dishes we had tasted, however, we had just enough room to sample dessert which came in the shape and form of a rich, lush, Chocolate Hazelnut pot with salted caramel biscuits, which is a great dessert to share.  For all those chocolate lovers, this is a treat you simply cannot miss.

To accompany Chef Lale Oztek’s menu, Liberty Wines have helped to curate a signature wine list featuring over 50 wines including vintage specials which are also available by the glass to complement all the appealing dishes on offer.

After dinner, I ventured to the first floor of the restaurant where there is a splendid Fruit & Veg private dining space which can accommodate 16 guests seated and has retained many of its original features which add to its existing charm. This intimate and cosy space is furnished with excellent audio and visual facilities, HD TV screen and is perfect for private dinners, lunches, soiree’s, exclusive events and for those all important special occasions.

My guest and I thoroughly enjoyed our immense culinary journey at Arthur Hooper’s which offers exquisite dishes, a wonderful wine selection, a warm ambience and outstanding, friendly service. I am already looking forward to revisiting this supreme gastronomic eating house next to Borough Market.