The date destination of the City - 1* City Social
“One of the City’s top eateries, not just because it’s so high up!”
Above the glittery square mile and a stone-throw from where I work, City Social is a dark and moody affair. Situated in the heart of the city and on top a hive of finance firms, this is one heck of a dining room with a view. You’re so close to the Gherkin you can practically see its office workers photocopying their bottoms.
My eating partner and I gingerly stepped into the lift that would take us up the 24 floors of Tower 42 on Old Broad Street, to deposit us in the bar area. White-dressed women wafted us towards the ceiling-to-floor windows, as we stared agape at the view. Hello, London.
Social24 Bar
We began our evening at the Restaurant’s stunning 24 Bar for some tipple, which sits adjacent to the restaurant. Gaze over the gorgeous skyline of London and spot the Shard, the Gherkin, and Tower Bridge, whilst enjoying some of the most innovative cocktails in EC1. I had been here a few times previously for Business dinners, but coming with my own agenda just made the experience that more enjoyable.
We enjoyed an array of cocktails inspired by Jason Atheron’s Social restaurants around the world, including ‘Eterno Amore’, which was a delicate mix of Panarea Island Gin infused with Lavendar, Italicus and clarified grapefruit juice. My personal favourite was the ‘Ultimate Espresso Martini’, a swanky take on the classic number.
‘Eterno Amore’ and ‘Freaking Grape’
City Social Restaurant
We kicked off with Hamachi ceviche with langoustine tartare. The radish paired well with the starter, all elements dotted artfully around the plate with avocado and translucent blobs of kalamansi ‘gel’. This was a cute mouthful, and one I could have repeated several times over.
Hamachi ceviche, langoustine tartar, avocado, radish, kalamansi
Beautiful crockery showcases the most incredible ingredients, treated just with the slightest teasing of complementary flavours. Last Autumn, jet black Lobster tortellini, citrus caviar and prawn oil lobster bisque packed a zesty punch. This year brings a more warming selection, where we opted again for the tortellini, but this time Lamb neck with pecorino. There was a delicacy to it, a lightness to the dish but also it was also so luxurious. The golden consommé with tomato jam sang in my mouth, and it was really a near-perfect balance of flavours.
Lamb neck tortellini, tomato jam, pecorino, consommé
Dan Birk and Dan Page’s take on Devon crab was a comforting little bowlful, silky in texture and generous with the umami flavour of the crustacean. Bitter leaf flecked the mix and crunchy croutons bobbed within, retaining their crunch throughout. I loved the accompanying brown crab toast - it’s only fault was that I wish there was one more mouthful.
Devon crab, bitter leaf salad, brown crab toast
Aside from the array of innovative main’s, there is also a selection of classics on offer. We opted for the enticing Côte de bœuf with bone marrow - perfect to satisfy those here on a business front. The majestic French fore steak was presented on a board to share, glistening in the softly-lit restaurant. We requested it to be seared rare, and it was accompanied with some luscious bone marrow. Vibrant hazelnut and green bean salad rounded each mouthful off nicely. I gobbled my portion up eagerly, I was thoroughly impressed. The truffle mac n cheese was incredibly hearty and creamy, the perfect side to accompany the already-stellar spread. We were also given a selection of knives to use, which I thought was a funky touch.
Apple tarte tatin, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce
By now I was too stuffed, my eyes rolling a little to have remembered to take any decent pictures of the dessert so you'll have to take my word for it that the Apple tarte tartin was a pretty little thing. Desserts for me are usually an 'oh fine, if everyone else is', and it is not often I get excited about them. But this, was was fantastic; light, airy, yet rich and heavy with a luxurious treacle of caramel sauce.
I'm a great fan of City Social. I never fail to have a really lovely time there; they make me feel like a grown-up, and on a special treat. The prices do too - it's not cheap, or affordable enough to be done regularly, but it is good value for the level of cooking and the quality of the produce. Quite an important distinction, that. The service is helpful, especially with the wine list which is rather special, and warm and welcoming. On the second time I visited I was startled into wide-eyes when my waiter chimed "welcome back!". It felt nice to be remembered, homely even. I will definitely be returning for my fourth visit very soon.
The menu changes seasonally, and what with it being just a few doors down from my office, I can imagine it being a regular haunt once life returns to normal. Truly one of my favourite dining destinations in the City to share with that special someone. Thank me later.
Thank you to Hannah, John, Dan Birk, Dan Page, Jason Atherton and the entire City Social team for such a lovely evening x
Address: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, Cornhill, London EC2N 1HQ