Wright Brothers Soho, London
I wasn’t always into food. Growing up, it was the very thing that brought us together despite our disparate schedules. I never appreciated it because it was readily available to me. At home I ate one thing as I grew up in a cultural strong Indian background, but at school {the only other place I frequented}, food was just about the halfway point in the day. It wasn’t until I was in university that I lived in a dorm with primarily international students. And though we had a dining hall downstairs, the way people ate things were different. Some students prioritized fruit and bread whilst the others focused on rice and meat. Some chose bowls over plates and other ate with spoons instead of forks. I picked up on these nuances as I was now sitting at a dinner table with people others than my family. From there I picked up interesting flavor combinations and appreciated the way people paired textures and ingredients together—this is also when my appreciation for seafood developed.
Since moving to London, I often found the city a bit overwhelming in its choices. It seems like most cities are associated with a particular dish like Tokyo is to ramen, but what is London equivalent to? I have done a review on all sorts of cuisines in London and each review has proven over and over again that London is like watching all those students back at university. Pairing unique ingredients, techniques and flavors together.
When Wright Brothers relaunched their Soho branch with its all its gorgeous refurbishments, I knew that it was going to be one of those special gastronomical London opportunities. This is a review and all the opinions and thoughts are all my own.
Seafood Restaurant in London
Soho, London is an amalgam of restaurants all buzzing and boasting about their niche. Most of them can be grouped together. You have the burger places, ramen places, upscale kebab shops and the list goes on. Very rarely do you come across a seafood restaurant in London, and one that does it well! I’ve had seafood back home in Florida, especially since we didn’t live too far from a coast. I also had it in England in the seaside towns of Kent. Wright Brothers Soho is a seafood restaurant in London that does it all though and does it fresh and does it packed with flavor.
Review of What We Ordered
Cocktails
I saw the list of barrel aged cocktails and asked what that meant. Aurora immediately perked up and explained that the cocktails are aged in a barrel and no is really doing anything like that right now. So I went for it. I especially loved the Old Boulevard. It’s velvety in color, lightly sweet, and warms the soul.
Dressed Oysters
I can do regular oysters quite easily, but it was getting cold out and I wasn’t in the mood to really go for oysters. I was going to exclude them all together, but the idea of anything tempura fried made me quite excited. The sweet miso was subtle, but enough to give it a bit of a kick and the bonito flakes were such a good touch. A gorgeous looking dish as well!
Shrimp & Pancetta Croquettes
The roux is infused with shrimp and pancetta giving you that good salty flavor, but still the slight crunch and smooth texture once you bite into it. If you have someone who isn’t too into seafood at the table, then this bit is for them.
Teriyaki Cod Collar, BBQ Hispi Cabbage
The cod collar is a very special meat you don’t always seem to find on menus. It’s just behind the gills and is cut with the collarbone and bites into some tender meat. It’s unlike what you would imagine flaky fish. The high fat meat, combined with a crispy skin was beautiful.
Steamed Shells, Smoked Tomato & Crispy Soft Shell Crab
I must admit that my +1 and I fought over this. Be sure to ask for bread if you plan on ordering. I had never gotten a big bowl of shellfish that did not include an unopened piece. This big bowl was indulgent, warm, soothing, salty, tangy and full of flavor.
Dessert
I’m definitely a sweet tooth, but you wouldn’t expect a restaurant like this to really do desserts all that well. If you had to choose one thing and didn’t have much room {as I would understand why}, then go for the ice cream. Trust me. The chocolate was chewy, thick and creamy. Our fondant oozed gorgeous chocolate and the caramelized figs were so seasonal and felt so adult to have paired with its crunching pistachio crumb.
You can’t go wrong if you’re craving and looking for a seafood restaurant in London. It’s true that it’s quite possibly one of the best places to go if you’re even getting acquainted to seafood. Mixing in all the techniques and flavors and textures, it’s more than just a simple dorm experience. Wright Brothers Soho truly enhances the experiences. Definitely recommend if you can’t tell from the review.
