The Blurb
There’s a new generation of stylish eateries opening up in London’s West End. The old guard is still in situ and remains a popular choice for tourists and locals alike, but look out for the highly Instagrammable – eat with your eyes first – new restaurants pulling in the punters in Chinatown. Fresh off the back of their Spitalfields success, Noodle & Beer is the latest of this new-gen to cause a stir. We visit on a rainy Wednesday for lunch, and at 1pm, there is already a queue.
The Style
We millennials can’t get enough of those cute bistro-style half-mast curtains, can we? It’s our way of signalling to the world that the details are taken care of. With its linen window dressing and red leatherette banquettes… visually speaking, Noodle and Beer is more ‘French bistro’ than ‘tasty noodle joint’. But in a category that’s usually synonymous with sticky floors, Formica tables and garish strip lighting, I’m excited to eat some noodles in a place so easy on the eye.
The cocktail bar downstairs is a sensation – more red leatherette, mirrored ceilings and mounted sconces. It might sound seedy, but it feels lux. It’s the sort of place where one totally loses track of time, only to emerge half cut on cocktails to the dawn chorus on a Tuesday morning, wondering who you are and where you live. As a new mum, I’m not sure when or how I’ll next find myself stomping these streets in search of a good time, but I consciously commit this place to memory should the opportunity ever present itself.
To Eat
Tempura prawns served with a spicy wasabi mayo are a highlight: crisp, light-as-a-feather batter is heavenly when served with the zingy/creamy dipping sauce that harnesses just the right amount of fire.
The chicken salad with Szechuan pepper is our least favourite – it could do with being a little crispier or a little softer. The braised short rib beef, however, is the perfect texture… buttery soft and melts in the mouth. The blanket noodles that accompany it are plentiful and so very blankety that you want to crawl in amongst them and go to sleep. This dish is (quite rightly) one of the menu’s best sellers.
To Drink
Beer on draught is a must – given the name – but don’t miss out on the comprehensive list of cocktails served downstairs. I opt for the peach martini… and whilst it’s a little fruity for my taste- it certainly packs a punch in the liquor department.
In a Nutshell
Noodle and Beer is everything you’d expect it to be. Whilst there’s a huge amount of worthy competition in the area, they do offer something a bit different to the more traditional restaurants. The decor is trendy, the service is cheery, the food is tasty, and it’s open until 4am!
The Details
To book, visit: www.noodleandbeer.com
27 Wardour St, W1D 6PR
