WORDS MAISIE JANE DANIELS - IMAGES COURTESY OF YOPO
Set in The Mandrake's five-star boutique hotel is YOPO Restaurant, where you will find highly acclaimed Executive Chef George Scott-Toft. He presents a menu of bold and flavoursome modern South American dishes with European influences, inspired by his personal travel experiences.
These Amazonian inspired ingredients are met with matching surroundings sourced from around the world. As soon as you enter the restaurant you are taken out of London and into a magical world bursting with beautiful leafy plants, quirky artworks and bespoke furniture complete with low, mood lighting - exotic escapism at its finest. Let's not forget ‘Showgirl’, the grandiose ostrich by Enrique Gomez de Molina that takes centre stage in the space.
Scott-Toft has mastered the art of creating dishes where the portions and rich flavours are just right and I was left feeling comfortably full and very fullfilled. I would reccomend getting sharing plates to start - particularly the padron peppers which were perfectly prepared. And for mains? The Roast Halibut, Chickpeas, Chorizo & Brussels Sprouts was a real winner. If you're feeling adventerous (a room with a giant ostrich looking at you will do that to you) then opt for the sorrel sorbet. It sounded like an unlikely pairing at first but is perfect for those who want the theatre of ending on a dessert but steer away from anything too heavy and sweet.
If you are looking for a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach then YOPO is the one for you.
The Mandrake
20-21 Newman Street
London, W1T 1PG
United Kingdom
Tel: 0203 146 7770
