Open Mon–7pm–10.30pm, Tues–Sun midday–3pm, 7pm–11pm, Sun jazz lunch midday–4pm
The style:
The acclaimed townhouse restaurant, Notting Hill Brasserie has been a roaring success with residents for over seven years and now they have a new cocktail and Champagne bar, No. 92.
The elegant and understated interior is instantly welcoming, think warm mauve, camel and cream shades with enormous chandeliers and a centrepiece bar.
On our Monday evening pre-Christmas visit we were the only guests which led to whispered conversations and a little self-awareness. However the intimate setting would only seat around 20 on a busy night.
Despite having a discreet entrance next door to the brasserie, the bar is joined to it sharing its facilities but also, luckily for us its kitchen.
The crowd:
Hmm, well on this occasion the crowd consisted of me and my companion plus a charming barman. However I am assured that towards the end of the week it is buzzing with a mixed crowd. The brasserie has always attracted an older audience but No. 92 is enticing younger residents keen to sample the fantastic cocktails and dishes on offer.
The food:
This is probably the most delicious bar food I have tasted of late; this is not a place for stale nuts and cheap olives. We chose four savoury plates; my favourite was the cannellone of lobster and prawn with a shellfish celooute (£8.00); a generous length of moist and meaty lobster encased in a delicate pasta casing. My friend Annika’s top dish was the seared tuna with a soya salad dressing (£7.00); the tuna was fantastic quality, thinly sliced and perfectly tender throughout. The parfait (£6.50) was also totally addictive, the foie gras and chicken liver combination was perfectly smooth with a fruity undertone. However the brioche that accompanied it was disappointingly light, lacking the richness it is known for.
The drinks:
With an extensive cocktail menu that is uniquely split by era not spirit No. 92 is a must for west London ladies seeking a bit of Sex and the City action in the big smoke. The themes vary from Georgian and Victorian through to jazz and modern eras, the barman tells us the most popular choice is the Robus Mule (£9.50); vodka shaken with fresh lime juice, home-made raising gome and fresh blackberries and topped up with ginger beer. On our visit we opted for the champagne, with five varieties on offer by the glass ranging from £8.10 up to £39 the menu caters to all tastes and budgets. My favourite was the Laurent-Perrier rose (£14.70); dry with a fruity finish. They also boast an extensive mix of spirits, particularly whisky.
No. 92’s food exceeded our expectations, it is almost too good. It seems out of place tucked at the back of a bar. At the moment it is quite impractical to eat, with only three small tables, sharing an array of dishes on large presentation plates is tricky. The only thing lacking on our visit was customers and therefore the atmosphere. The concept feels slightly confused at the moment although I think this is a work in progress which is sure to blossom.