If you like a bar with a view, amazing food and a lively vibe, look no further than Madison. A stone’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral, with its stunning view to boot, a large heated roof terrace accessed by a speedy lift, and fantastic cocktail list, this is the perfect venue for a night out. On our recent visit – a Saturday night – there was a definite party atmosphere, and as the restaurant is adjacent to the bar, there’s a seamless flow between dinner and a good night out, with a DJ playing all the club classics you could ask for. The menu is a mix of French and American fare, with dishes ranging from the traditional burger through to some Christmas specials including an intriguing-sounding Bloody Mary Crème Fraiche. We both had the oxtail fritter to start, so no danger of any food-envy, and it was the right and delicious choice by far. We veered apart for our mains with a sticky (thanks to black treacle) slow-cooked beef rib that fell off the bone, and a perfectly cooked halibut fillet with leek, smoked eel, avruga caviar and shaved black truffle. We complemented this with truffle fries, and we weren’t the only ones. We could smell that pungent truffle aroma the moment we entered the bar. We rounded off our meal (both literally and figuratively) with a sticky toffee pudding and an espresso martini, as the night was yet young and the crowd even younger.
If you have any room left in your festive calendar, hurry along to Madison’s CÎROC winter terrace which has just opened. 10ft blue trees, twinkling lights, cosy faux furs, and even faux snow carpets underfoot, you’ll feel suitably snug and Christmassy all at once. Definitely worth sipping on one of their special Winter Warmers cocktails including an Apple Pie Martini or Spiced Chocolate Cocktail and keeping an eye on the sky for a special sighting of that famous sleigh.
Rooftop Terrace, 1 New Change, St Paul’s, London, EC4