I decide to walk from Hammersmith to The High Road Brasserie in Chiswick. This long straight road continuingly becomes more residential, leafy and somewhat sleepy is sugared with smart gastro pubs, retail boutiques and Instagram worthy florists. Within the heart of this setting is Soho House’s High Road Brasserie.
Offering itself as the neighbourhood restaurant, the Soho House Group have replicated their famous and sophisticated persona in this west London borough on the site of the historic Foubert’s Hotel. European glamour is achieved with art deco details alongside a vintage bar, spacious terrace and the Soho House signature plush bar stools; encouraging those to swing by for a tipple or a pre-dinner drink.
A restaurant adapted to its locals, High Road Brassiere’s enterprising all day dining menu is expectedly refined although undoubtedly expansive. From breakfast, brunch and express menus; to gluten free, all day, late night and a kid’s menu; High Road Brasserie caters to all.
It’s a warm September evening and the leaves are just starting to meet the pavement. We sit in the corner at one of the smooth tables, my back towards the wall, I have a good position to drink in the charisma of the space. Smalls, starters, eggs, salads & sandwiches, mains, grill, and sides – High Road Brasserie’s menu could be perceived as simple and somewhat unexciting, however, quality and execution rule otherwise.
We nibble on rich and gooey cheddar & ham croquettes alongside our starters. Steak tartare is generous, served on chunky soda bread and topped with a golden yolk. Others include chicken liver pate, sea bass carpaccio, mozzarella, black fig and mint or Dorset crab on toast. Skipping eggs, salads and sandwiches and moving to mains, grill and sides we select a delicious medley for our table. The 8oz Entrecote steak has been delicately grilled with a rich béarnaise partner, porcini and parmesan risotto is pleasingly smooth and creamy and the lamb rump with puy lentils and bacon was simply enviable. On the side, indulgent truffle & parmesan chips which are easily enough for two with another side of spinach. If you feel like sharing The High Road Brasserie also offers a 35oz T-bone steak or 35oz lobster which can be mixed and matched with other sides such as green salad, kale and savoy cabbage or mash.
Desserts encapsulate the European ethos of The High Road Brasserie. Crème brulee with a hard, crunchy top could have instantly stepped over the Channel and chocolate delice hits the spot for any chocoholic. Other European favourites to finish include blackberry millefeuille, Bramley apple tart Tatin or a selection of British & Italian cheeses.
Refining the finest aspects of European culture into one, High Road Brasserie adds an element of graceful worldliness to Chiswick’s somewhat drowsy streets. And if you don’t feel like going home, next door they have 14 rooms within a Georgian Townhouse to retreat to.
The High Road Brasserie: 162-170 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PR, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20 8742 1717,www.highroadhouse.co.uk
