The Wordrobe’s Feature Writer Justine O’Connell enjoys a night of mouth-watering musical magic at 100 Wardour Street in Soho
It is hard to miss the huge neon ‘100’ sign above the door of tonight’s venue – 100 Wardour Street, this seems fit for a venue with an impressive history; originally the site of London’s famous Marquee Club – where legends including David Bowie and the Rolling Stones once graced the stage.
On entering the space opens up, split over two levels the upstairs is buzzing with post-work drinkers sunk into soft armchairs or around the circular stylish bar. Tonight I am heading down the iconic spiral staircase that sweeps to the basement restaurant and club where things are more louche.
There is a bar which is buzzing with glamorous clientele sipping on a cocktail list inspired by the ages of music. To the centre, the dining and stage area is set where each night a different roster of live acts perform.
The level of sound equipment on stage and a sound engineer doing pre show checks ensures that the acoustics are perfectly tuned for tonight’s entertainment- an eight piece Motown band.
My date is running late so I opt for a perfectly mixed Tiki cocktail whilst I observe my fellow diners; a group of post work drinkers, a date night from out of town on the front row. Behind me, a girls night are catching up and there is a group of men on a business dinner to my right.
The food
Tonight we dine from a three-course set menu and a glass of wine each as the band come on stage. I start with a ‘pea and mint soup, with a pea and shallot tortellini and mint oil’. A classic dish which had a great depth of flavour.
My date is eating a ‘Gin & Tonic cured Salmon with a dill mayonnaise and soda bread crumble’. The portion size was extremely healthy, with delicate flavours, leaving us ready for mains as the Motown band liven up the evening with a soulful vibe.
For main course we both opt for the hearty meat options. It’s a surprise to find such complete and filling dishes on a set menu. We tuck into a ‘Crispy confit duck with creamed Savoy cabbage and red wine jus’.
The duck was perfectly pink, flavoured and juicy – a real treat. The ‘Braised beef cheeks, honey glazed roots and garlic mash’ was equally pleasing. I must mention the sides of mash potatoes and green beans which are laden with rich butter – always a welcome addition in my eyes.
The band members are brothers and sisters who interact with the audience as our servers seamlessly move between the tables and clear our plates. The lead singers vocals do justice to an Aretha Franklin classic which is performed with skill as we sing “RESPECT” between mouthfuls of food.
The desserts arrive just in time for the band’s last song. My guest has dietary requirements and the generous portion of sorbets satisfy his sweet tooth. Cheese is my choice from the menu and each slice is served with its accompaniment of nut or fruit on top, a detail I really enjoy. The band sing their last song to a round of applause from fellow diners perfectly timed with the end of our meal.
The Wordrobe Verdict
A night out in Soho should include a visit to 100 Wardour Street with the set menu during the week at a very reasonable £25 with a glass of wine. At the weekend there is a Bloody Mary Brunch and the music varies from electric to funk and guest DJs.
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Date night or girls night this place fits the bill for both; just bring your dancing shoes!
Make it happen
Where: 100 Wardour St, Soho, London
Bookings: Click here to make a reservation
