Homegirl London’s Restaurant Review: OXO Tower Restaurant. I was invited to review the iconic OXO Tower Restaurant for lunch and what a delightful time we had. With a thoughtful menu featuring beautiful British modern dishes, it was a real treat. Thanks to the South Bank location, the views across the Thames are spectacular. It’s a great eatery to book if you’re looking for places to eat on the South Bank or the best London restaurants for special occasions.
“This restaurant has it all, the beautiful British menu using quality seasonal ingredients paired with that spectacular view over the River Thames,” Homegirl London
OXO Tower Restaurant Menu
The OXO Tower Restaurant is overseen by head chef Jeremy Bloor who has created a seasonal menu using quality British produce. Jeremy’s keen on the provenance of his ingredients so you can expect the best quality. I’ll talk about the lunch menu which we enjoyed. I ordered from the vegetarian and vegan menu, which had a choice of six dishes. You can ask for any of the starters as a main size. I tried the Root Vegetable and Pearl Barley Risotto with Mushroom Emulsion and Chestnut Crumble. This looked very cute when it arrived and had a lovely light texture and more bite to it rather than being dense and gooey. The sprinkling of crumble on top was slightly sweet as was the thin wafer style outer wrap which I enjoyed.
Root Vegetable and Pearl Barley Risotto
Meanwhile, Homeboy was pleased to order a couple of fish dishes. His starter was Warm Spiced Dorset Crab on Toast with Honey and Lemongrass. He loved the subtle flavouring of lemongrass working its way through the crab and praised it highly. It was difficult for him to settle on a starter because the Lobster Tempura with Seashore Vegetable Broth and the Smoked Salmon with Radish Salad were strong contenders.
Warm Spiced Dorset Crab on Toast
I selected the Crown Prince Pumpkin and Isle of Wight Blue Cheese Tart with Almonds, Maple and Thyme, Organic Leaves for my main course. This was a lovely tart full of flavour with a fresh side salad. I was debating whether I should try the King Edward Potato and Mushroom Cake with Poached Duck’s Egg and Beetroot Salad. The Goat’s Cheese, Pistachio, Honey and Fennel Crust, Beetroot, Ginger and Horseradish Cream dish also sounded terrific.
Crown Prince Pumpkin and Isle of Wight Blue Cheese Tart
Homeboy ordered the Turbot, Caramelised Endive, Crispy Kale and Orange Emulsion. This was just the right portion size and perfectly cooked. The flavours worked well together, and he particularly enjoyed the dabs of orange emulsion. We also ordered a side of chips and tenderstem broccoli with toasted almonds and brown butter. Other fish mains included Stone Bass with Razor Clams in a Champagne Sauce, Dover Sole Fillet with Crispy Oyster and Hand-dived Scottish Scallops. Meat-wise it’s Free-range Port Cutlet, Dry-aged Beef Fillet or Loin of Lamb.
Turbot with Caramelised Endive and Crispy Kale
We shared two desserts which were the Caramelised Apples and Chox Buns with Crème Fraiche. The Chox Buns were so cute and yummy. We also went for the Blood Orange and Poppy Seed Syrup Cake with Almond Ice Cream, which was also delectable. Other desserts included the OXO Organic Chocolate Plate with a selection of rich chocolate offerings which was tempting, but we were just too full. The Rhubarb and Custard with Hendricks Gin Sorbet and Lemon Hazelnut Tart also sounded great. Otherwise, you could try the cheeseboard of Neal’s Yard British and Irish Farmhouse varieties.
Caramelised Apples and Chox Buns
In terms of prices, starters are £11-20 while mains are £20-60 and the vegetarian/vegan options are slightly cheaper. From Monday to Saturday 12 pm until 2.30 pm and on Sunday 12 pm until 3 pm you can choose from a set menu for £35 from three starters, mains and desserts.
Blood Orange and Poppy Seed Syrup Cake
The drinks list is extensive. As it was lunchtime, we ordered a few non-alcoholic cocktails which were fabulous. We can recommend the Cinnamon Banana Colada and Seeds of Change plus the Oriental Chill. If you want an alcoholic cocktail, try one of the Martini varieties which this establishment is famous for. In terms of wine, there is an impressive offering with many by the glass, which is brilliant for a lunchtime tipple. Of course, they have Champagne and Prosecco so you can raise a glass … or two!
OXO Tower Restaurant Interiors
We dined in the Restaurant, but just so you are aware, there is also the Brasserie and Bar (serving snacks) which are all located on the eighth floor. On the street level, you will see directions to the elevators, take a lift to floor eight, and on one side you have the Restaurant, and the other is the Brasserie. This eatery is famous for the balcony terrace overlooking the Thames River with breathtaking views. If the weather isn’t behaving itself, you can still admire the scenery thanks to the floor to the ceiling glass windows.
Restaurant Interiors
The interiors are elegant and straightforward. Look up to see the blue ceiling which at night sparkles with blue neon lights to give a moonlit effect. The tables are dressed with crisp white cloths, and the leather-clad dining chairs are rather comfy. Otherwise, it is very minimal because when you have the backdrop of London, you don’t need anything else to distract from that!
OXO Tower Restaurant Information
Building Exterior
The restaurant is owned by Harvey Nichols & Co Ltd, to find out more go to the OXO Tower Restaurant section on their website. The address is OXO Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH. Go up to floor eight to find the Restaurant, Brasserie and Bar. Blackfriars, Southwark, Waterloo and London Waterloo East stations are close by, and then you have a short walk. Because they serve lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the opening times should be checked on the website before you book.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London and Harvey Nichols & Co Ltd (the image of the interior). Thanks: Julie Carolan for booking the meal, information and photography. Disclosure: Our meal was free which is why this article has been labelled as an Advert.
