On a lovely sunny September day it seemed only appropriate to find a venue with the best vista possible. Overlooking the Thames, with St Paul’s, Somerset house and the City in all their glory this seemed like a fairly good shout.

As it happened good news had visited as my better half Katie had agreed to marry me, so after some shopping for a ring she took me out to what we hoped would be a lovely lunch. On a whim she exclaimed “Oxo Tower restaurant”; and so it came to be.

Not flaunting the fact at all, but after a comment on the ring from a very observant member of staff we were moved to sit at the premier seats right next to the window. Anyway lets move away from the sop and get back to the point I hear you shout!

There are three venues to be had in this great location owned and run by Harvey Nichols, the Oxo Brasserie, the Oxo Bar on the Restaurant itself having gained a fearsome following for a British menu with a twist.

With the champagne flowing we tucked into our starters which consisted of a pair of Poussin thighs laying on a Polenta, Parma ham, pepper and pesto. A very simple dish with pleasing presentation, textures and skill on show. Alongside we chose a soft shelled crab bread-crumbed lying on a small sliver of smoked haddock and a rocket based salad. This was divine, the crab cooked perfectly and obviously well sourced and expertly cooked.

For mains the carnivores in us came to the surface so a pair of steaks one tuna, one beef sirloin and with accompaniments of some long stem broccoli showered in toasted chestnuts and some thick cut crispy fried chips. The sirloin served on wood with grilled shallots, some delicious bone marrow and a red wine sauce was pretty good. Not a top draw cut but well cooked to order by a chef that knows his trade. The tuna was just a shade overcooked with it not being massively rare as ordered, but the quality of the tuna with the new potatoes and other veg was well prepared.

To round off we were given a complimentary dessert to share from the very thoughtful staff. They definitely went the extra mile with the service and that made it a very memorable experience. Bravo to the Oxo Tower.

£60 per person inc. wine

http://www.harveynichols.com/oxo-tower-london-restaurant

Tel 020 7803 3888