After an arduous week of furious taping at my keyboard, calling so-and-so and aligning all systems go for the client’s whatsy-ma-call it. Booking on, liaising with, pencilling in, chopping and changing for EOP, on the WC with the TBC – the weekend had come a just the right time.
Upon entering The Rib Rooms, myself a whirlwind of E1 chaos, I was greeted by an overwhelming ora of SW1, sanctuary and serene. Set within the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, in Knightsbridge, this venue smacks of tradition and authenticity, from the all-English, top hatted door men, to the plush velvelty hallway and into the sepia lit bar.
The spirits were back lit, the mirrors were beveled and the bar was lined with high seating just as you’d expect. In front of the bar area sat clusters of bauhaus, 50s style leather chairs poised around marble tables, which were a little too small for a real meal, but just ample terrain for a flock of drinks or a gaggle of bar snacks.
Vincenzo the Bar Supervisor, and all round good gent, made us feel most at home by starting us off with a gin and bitters combo. My guest had a big slug of Tanqueray No. 10 which was paired with a zingy grapefruit bitters, and I had feminine Bloom gin paired with a vanilla bitters which resulted in something almost untraceable as a G&T.
Taking the lead Vincenzo, the floor team then began to send us a selection of The Rib Rooms most bijoux bar snacks.
First we were presented with a mound of fragrant crab spring rolls, honey glazed boneless chicken wings, and spicey Tandori prawns.
To follow a duet of burgers – Rare roast beef sat in a brioche bun and lobster burger topped with king prawns and aioli to suit.
Lights dimmed at around 10ish, and live sting music began to play gently form behind me.
From the shadowy bar, we discreetly ordered (and I would strongly advise) The Chefs Selection of Puddings and a raspberry soufflé, so light and fluffy I can only assume was baked in heaven and infused with those fluffy clouds that casually float by on summer’s days (which I will also stop bragging about, maybe in a month or so).
Most satisfied we sat and enjoyed the sound of the strings for another hour or so before scampering off into the night.
Timeless and elegant The Rib Rooms, aim to please and do just that. Akin to the bitters they serve the service was also artesian, the food was faultless and the experience as a whole was incomparable from start to finish.
The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant
Jumeirah Carlton Tower
On Cadogan Place
London
SW1X 9PY
Website: www.theribroom.co.uk
Twitter:@ribroomsw1
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RibRoomSW1
