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.
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| The staircase to heaven |
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| 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.
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| Champagne, Cancun & Roma Cocktail |
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| fireplace at the bar |
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| 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.
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| Delicious South African Chardonnay |
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| Goat’s curd and beets salad- salty and sweet perfect balance |
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| Tuna Tartare – light and fresh |
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| Rabbit Lasagne & Girolles – I really enjoyed this course |
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| Stone Seabass and Provencal Vegetable – perfection! |
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| Bavette and sweetbreads – I never had sweetbreads before- I liked them |
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| Apple doughnut and custard – the pastry was very light and apple tangy and sweet |
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| White chocolate Parfait – amazing!!! |
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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. |
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| The dining room |
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| The chef, Oisin Coyle, last service at Upstairs’ kitchen that night… |
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
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
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.