Refuel - Soho Hotel

As an avid fan of Top Table (www.toptable.co.uk), I often check the website to find new deals win usually unaffordable restaurants. This week, as a pre-theatre treat I sampled the culinary delights of Soho Hotel and their Refuel restaurant. Set in the heart of London’s West End, the restaurant is tucked away down a small alleyway which if not looked for, could be easily missed. We were welcomed into the seating area which was adjacent to the unusually busy bar for a Thursday night – it must be a popular place and we could soon see why. The decor was very original, with modern lighting that was complimented by large shelves filled with empty cans of old-fashioned motor lubricants. 

The menu was limited, with three options per course. However, the dishes offered were varied enough to satisfy most stomachs. The meals were presented, as we’ve seen in many restaurants whose menu’s I’ve analysed, as lists of ingredients with neither conjunctions nor adjectives. This simple approach emphasises the ingredients that have been used for the dishes, and allows the customer to focus entirely on their taste buds and preferences; seeking the meals that appeal to them most without the influence of descriptive terms. The meals were not out of the ordinary and involved pairings that would traditionally be expected such as pork with apple, and beetroot with feta. Although not particularly exciting, the customer would be reassured that their meal will taste good.

The complimentary wine that is offered with the meal encourages the customer to spend more on either a third course, or an added extras to accompany their main which are sneakily added on at the bottom of the menu so as to subtly remind the customer they are not included with their meal.

The service was exceptional and the food delivered promptly to the table. The courses were quickly devoured due to their yumminess and so the poor waiting staff were often returning to our table to remove the dishes not long after they were put down.