If you’re looking to relive some of your fondest travel memories, you may only need to travel to Zone 1. Writer Sanjuna Budhani shares more about the tastebud adventure awaiting at Kitchen at Holmes in Marylebone
Grilled seafood always feels like a quintessential summer food. You’re on an island in the Mediterranean, the sun is setting as you look out onto the endless ocean and your waiter arrives to serve the freshest fruits de mer caught that morning.
Now imagine that scene, but you’re in Baker Street – and you’re looking out onto the throng of London. And you can sort of make out the sunset in between the buildings.
Okay, it’s not quite the same… but what you are getting at Kitchen at Holmes is the peaceful ambience of a waterside restaurant and fresh seafood that’s cooked in such a way that the natural flavours of the seafood sing.
Octopus that you can slice through like butter, no need to feverishly saw through to cut off a mouthful. Sea bream, soft and flaky, baby squid in a refreshing cucumber gazpacho and the sweetness of the langoustines brought out by the freshness of pea hummus.
Mamma Mia but with with mood lighting
To kick off the fantasy of being on a Greek island somewhere, we ordered the “Spicy Paloma” and “Americano” cocktails. Despite the name, no coffee was involved in the making of the Americano, but what we did get was a milder Negroni that had an almost chocolate-y finish.
Perfect for those that enjoy Negronis but want to pace themselves (our theory is that the name is a reference to the more watered down version of espresso, Americano. Just as the Americano is enjoyed by those who want a less intense experience but with the same flavour) The Spicy Paloma was, hands down, fantastic. A salty rim with sour/sweet grapefruit and citrus and a hint of umami with the smoked paprika and mezcal. Delicious.
While it may not be Paros or Valletta, Kitchen at Holmes strives to bring the flavour of simple but well executed grilled seafood and meat, reminiscent of the well loved restaurants that line the marinas of The Med. The kitchen is open plan as well so you can watch the chefs at work. With attentive and friendly staff, the hospitality at Kitchen at Holmes runs like a well oiled machine.
The Wordrobe Verdict
So, if you’re looking for a mini-mini-break in the middle of the week or want to relive some of your fondest travel memories, you may only need to travel to Zone 1. All you’ll have to do is pack your Oyster.
Make it happen
Where: 108 Baker St, London W1U 6LJ
How: Find out more and make a booking via kitchenatholmes.co.uk
Words by Sanjuna Budhani, freelance writer
