Have you ever struggled to find good quality, fresh seafood in London? Or are you possibly one of those, like me previously, that tends to avoid venturing into the bustling city? Then read on and I might hopefully entice you to discover this hidden gem.
Chamberlain’s Of London are a fish and seafood restaurant that are supporting the move to attract weekend visitors to The City and particularly Leadenhall Market by opening 7 days a week for the first time in their 16 year history of trading. This news comes on the back of their stunning location Leadenhall Market becoming fully occupied for the first time in five years and the new opening in the area, such as The Ned and Bloomberg Arcade.
The restaurant is owned by fourth generation fishmongers, Chamberlain and Thelwell fishmongers, and all their fresh fish and seafood is selected daily just four miles away at Billingsgate Market – Chamberlain’s Of London can proudly say that what is served to customers directly from boat, to Billingsgate, to kitchen, to plate. Using this exceptional produce, their talented team of chefs led by Executive Chef Andrew Jones (previously at Claridges, The Westbury, and won the Roux Scholarship in 2004) create dishes for the restaurant that reflect nature’s harvest from around the British Isles in both modern tastes as well as the classics.
Since Saturday the 11th November, the restaurant now also offers a Saturday evening and Sunday brunch menu, presented as a la carte and a set menu.
As Chamberlain’s is owned by fishmongers, fish and seafood features heavily on the menu, so we obviously didn’t miss out the opportunity to try out what they had to offer. For my starter I ordered the prawns and crab risotto which was creamy with a lovely texture – plump and al dente in the centre, finished with lemon and parmesan, and went perfectly with a glass of chilled Domaine de Fussiacus 2016. This is also available as a main course which I would recommend if you love a good, hearty risotto. Putting a fancy twist on the humble omelette, the Scottish lobster omelette was an indulgent treat, glazed with lobster bisque. Vibrant and it tasted as appetizing as it looked.
Chamberlain’s is famous for their Dover Sole from Brixham which is served on or off the bone, grilled, pan fried or poached in Champagne sauce. I followed the recommendation of the manager to order the pan fried Dover Sole and was not disappointed – it was one fine-looking piece of fish that had a firm, meaty texture with a mild, delicate flavour. It tasted great with a simple drizzle of lemon juice, without the need of any fancy sauces or flavourings.
The La Rochelle wild line caught sea bass was just as tasty, with a crispy skin and served with artichoke barigoule and tomato vierge. We also had some sides of new potatoes and broccoli to accompany our mains.
Dessert was a simple and satisfying end to our meal: a warm and comforting apple tarte tatin with tonka bean ice cream and a refreshing iced chocolate parfait with raspberry and mint. These were enjoyed alongside some sweet dessert wine pairings: Domaine des Baumard 2015 and Churchill’s LBV Port 2012.
The city is so much more calm during the weekend and we really enjoyed our experience at Chamberlain’s – I can’t remember the last time I had such a long, relaxing lunch. I think we were there for at least three hours – as much as I thrive in my fast-paced life, sometimes it’s nice to feel like you’re not being rushed during a meal.
During the weekend you can order either a la carte, from the Saturday Gourmet Menu or the Sunday Brunch menu both priced at two courses for £27 or three courses for £32 – if you book direct you will also get a complimentary glass of Champagne on arrival (!)
And, on Sundays, there is the added option of adding bottomless Prosecco or Bloody Mary to any two courses for an additional £20 – it’s never too early to have bubbles on the weekend after all.
Chamberlain’s Of London also offer event catering and outdoor catering within the London, Essex and Hertfordshire areas as well as some exclusive locations. You may find out more information on their website here
And maybe even take some time to browse their menus, I’m sure you’ll then be tempted to try them out for yourselves.
The Cheekster, signing out x
- I was invited to review.
