Maddie Salters shares that “certain feeling” from her recent dining experience at 108 Brasserie’s Table 9.
Like a flash of forethought, there’s a certain feeling one gets right before sitting down to an incredible meal. I don’t just mean the anticipation of well-crafted dishes and apt wine pairings, but of being conscious that your total experience is being cared for. That you are warmly welcomed into a space where delicious bites and sips are shared in good company, with engaging wait staff to guide you through your culinary journey, and a generous atmosphere that puts you right at home in your surroundings. That sums up my experience at 108 Brasserie’s Table 9.
108 Brasserie, the recently refurbished dining experience in the heart of Marylebone, is known for its lush local ingredients and hearty menu staples, as well as its well-stocked bar and wine cellar. Less known, perhaps, is the introduction of private dining to its sphere of talents: the incomparable Table 9. Table 9, the brasserie’s own answer to a chef’s table, sits in the center of its uptempo dining room. Though the table comes with all the excitement of being in the thick of it, it’s still very much a world all its own, catered to by an exceptional set of waiters and providing an intimate space for up to eight diners.
What impressed me about 108 Brasserie was the attention to detail from start to finish. Upon entering, my coat was whisked away and friendly hosts led me to a seat in the chic outer bar. Separate from the main restaurant, the bar was a wonderful spot to cool down after traversing the Central Line at rush hour, and to prep for a wonderful, thoroughly British-inspired dinner by sipping on a glass of English sparkling wine. I was asked if I’d like a drink right away: that’s the kind of service you can really toast.
Table 9 itself was a top-to-bottom experience. Where 108 Brasserie’s bar had almost a midtown-NYC vibe to it, ultra modern and contemporary, filled with cosmos in martini glasses clinking, the dining room had a decidedly refined and traditional air to it. Designed by Alexander Waterworth, oak reliefs and burnt orange mohair chairs were reflected in every richly golden mirror and in each of my four silver forks. (You know a meal has been well-planned when there’s a utensil ready for every course.)
The menu itself was an ode to farm freshness. There’s a curious disconnect in fine dining, that ‘farm fresh’ isn’t always found the High Streets. Well, Executive Chef Russell Ford proved that it should be. The custom menu, inspired by English dishes and English ingredients, was tailored especially for our party. It included watercress soup with black headed gull’s egg and haddock (a seaside twist to an old favourite,) and cornish lamb cooked three ways with peas, broad beans, and wild garlic. Each ingredient was included with purpose, and highlighted by everything else on the plate. Each bite had impact, and no two bites were exactly the same.
I was especially awed by the seared tuna, which had heirloom tomato and avocado marbled into its soft surface, served chilled, as well as the dessert of Yorkshire rhubarb and custard doughnuts and sorbet: surprisingly light, which was appreciated after four courses.
The menus for Table 9 are all bespoke– pricing varies depending on courses, beverages, and number of guests. On my menu for the evening, each course came a wine pairing, chosen by the in-house sommelier. The dessert course was paired with a cheerful and festive Muscat, while the final cheese and chutney course was complimented by a Balvenie Doubelwood, aged ten years. A spot of tea later, and I was ready to all but roll home, very satisfied.
In all, 108 Brasserie is a grand marriage of people and food. The personality of its staff are found in the plating and wine choices, in the helpful recommendations and quick follow-ups. The place has undeniable heart, and you are welcomed into the fold from your first step in. That my water glass never ran empty, and that the vegetarian in our party also delighted at her menu options speaks to the restaurant’s flexibility and attentiveness.
Even the bread was delicious – my guest asked for a second helping.
108 Brassiere is located at 108 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QE. For more details on Table 9, to view different menus available or to book, contact Julia_lindquist@doylecollection.com or go to 108brasserie.com.
