Upstairs

Life is rather hectic at the moment but I haven’t forgotten about Upstairs. Back in August, I went out with fellow blogger Tiff and Cecilia to dinner at Upstairs. They both live in my vicinity and Tiff told us wonders about this local eatery.  A French fine dining experience in Brixton, which I heard about it, but I couldn’t quite believe it.
As the name says this tiny restaurant is tucked away upstairs in a converted Victorian corner house. Downstairs is a cafe (Opus) and Upstairs is the restaurant above it. Chic and low-key it’s customers are the local and celebrities alike. The entrance to Upstairs is on the side road, no signage or lights, just a buzzer. Once you gain entry you are faced with a flight of stairs that takes you to the first floor bar.
The staircase to heaven
great light fittings

Cozy, clean and intimate the bar is furnished with leather sofas, armchairs, open fireplaces, and soft light colours. It’s very relaxing and I was surprised it got quite busy after we arrived. The cocktail menu was extensive and the drinks were excellent.
Champagne, Cancun & Roma Cocktail
fireplace at the bar
the bar area – it feels like someone’s living room
Another flight of stairs takes you to the restaurant area, the kitchen is located in a room in the same floor tucked away behind a door. The whole place feels like you are in someone’s house and you are sharing their food and drinks with strangers a bit like a pop-up or supper club. But it was very nice and warming feeling. Wine menu is extensive and  prices varies from £18.50 to £135/bottle. Something for every pocket.
Once seated, we were offered the tasting menu – 7 courses of delectable french food, expertly prepared with first class ingredients. I couldn’t fault it.  The menu changes every two weeks, according to seasonal ingredients availability. The service was very good. However, a bit too friendly at times. I supposed you can’t help being over friendly in a such small ambiance.
Delicious South African Chardonnay
Goat’s curd and beets salad- salty and sweet perfect balance
Tuna Tartare – light and fresh
Rabbit Lasagne & Girolles – I really enjoyed this course
Stone Seabass and Provencal Vegetable – perfection!
Bavette and sweetbreads – I never had sweetbreads before- I liked them
Apple doughnut and custard – the pastry was very light and apple tangy and sweet
White chocolate Parfait – amazing!!!
The bill: 3 cocktails, 2 bottles of fine wine, 3 menu degustation and great company!
No exactly cheap but a fair price for the superb food we had.
The dining room
The chef, Oisin Coyle, last service at Upstairs’ kitchen that night…

To Book: Upstairs

Upstairs Bar on Urbanspoon

Share:

3 Comments

  1. Tiffany
    November 12, 2011 / 10:28 am

    Hi Rosana! Lovely post about a great evening 🙂 We should do it again soon…Oisin is now at Terroirs near Charing Cross and I have heard it is great. xx

  2. November 12, 2011 / 2:35 pm

    I remember Tiffany telling me about this place, £32 for a three course menu is rather good value I think. Interesting to learn that the chef is now working at Terroirs, one of my favourite restaurants in London.

    Luiz @ The London Foodie

  3. November 13, 2011 / 6:22 pm

    Hi Tiff, it was a fantastic meal! Let's do Terroirs soon.
    Thanks for the kind works. x

    Luiz – you must come South for some food-love with us.