Step into Louie, London, a three-storey historic townhouse in the heart of Covent Garden. Adorned with velvet sofas, Persian rug carpeted floors, dark wood tables, clever mood lighting with fringed bars, it feels like you’ve stepped into another era. Renowned restaurateur, Guillaume Glipa known for his association with some of London’s most celebrated restaurants including Zuma, Coya and Chiltern Firehouse, has curated a unique blend of Parisian sophistication with the soulful twist of New Orleans.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a friendly member of staff, who discreetly calls a colleague via their earpiece to seamlessly whisk you off to your table. Whilst this might sound over the top it really doesn’t feel it. You just feel well looked after and that you’re somewhere special and it sets the tone for the evening.
We started the evening on the top floor at the Alligator Bar, where there was already a gentle buzz with glamorous guests enjoying the bar snacks and cocktails. On the menu is crispy calamari with a spicy lobster mayo and perfectly smoked cucumber fritters accompanied by a selection of unusual cocktails. The ‘KIKI DE MONTPARNASSE’ with grey goose vodka, peach wine and a little elderflower liquor was a delicious Spring choice. For something a little stronger and with a kick, the ‘ROCKEFELLER MARTINI’ will hit the spot – Hendrick’s Gin, Cucumber and salty pickles.
Once our table was ready we were assisted by another attentive member of staff and their trusted earpiece. The sommelier is on hand to help choose from an extensive wine list. We enjoyed glasses of surprisingly good Italian Chardonnay alongside mini french baguettes and delicious french butter, dipped into a zingy and fresh lemongrass and lime sauce which accompanied the yellowtail tartare. For main, we shared the monkfish tail which was grilled to perfection, alongside an array of sides. Perfectly crisp and salty french fries (dunked into creamy béarnaise sauce), garlicky creamed spinach, and a fresh buttery green lettuce salad. On our waitresses recommendation, we also tried the truffle and sweet potato gratin. It was delicious but probably better suited to accompany the Tomahawk.
Around 9:30 pm, the atmosphere steps up a notch as people start leaving their tables and heading upstairs. But before you head back up to the Alligator Bar, I’d recommend soaking in the atmosphere of Louie’s live band over a digestif. Make sure you share the apple tarte tatin (a delicious morsel of French pastry tradition) – I keep thinking about it, it’s that good!
Louie is the perfect spot for a romantic date night. You will be very well looked after, feel perfectly satisfied with what you eat and drink, enjoy soaking in the buzzy atmosphere and maybe even have a dance alongside Louie’s live band.
To book: louie-london.com/
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