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THE DEFINITION OF ITALIAN DECADENCE, DINING AND DRINKING AT BROADWICK SOHO

24/04/2024

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Channeling the character, soul and history of London’s most storied neighbourhood, Broadwick Soho is an independent luxury hotel with an eclectic range of bars and restaurants. From the rooftop down to the subterranean restaurant, each unique destination offers a feast for the senses in the heart of Soho.


Seductively decadent, Dear Jackie is the hotel’s modern Italian flagship restaurant hidden on the lower ground floor; and little sister, Bar Jackie, is the vibrant café, bar and terrace, perfect for drinking and dining throughout the day. Rooftop bar and terrace, Flute, the hotel's crown jewel, offers show-stopping, maximalist décor and incredible views over the rooftops of London with an ever-changing list of innovative cocktails complemented by lunch and dinner menus.

Each of the restaurants is a love letter to the family of founder, Noel Hayden, and Dear Jackie takes its name from his mother. Noel spent his childhood years living at his family’s Bournemouth-based hotel, Mon Ami, which was owned and managed by his mother Jackie and his father Noel Snr, a magician and true showman. Dear Jackie ‘pays tribute to the legendary and flamboyant Jackies of our past, present and future. Everybody has their Jackie: a personal icon that embodies fun, fabulousness and joy.

’Broadwick Soho’s townhouse aesthetic was created by mastermind, interior designer Martin Brudnizki, of Annabel’s, The Beekman and Scott’s Restaurant fame. Artfully infusing a range of inspirations, from Jazz Age opulence to travels around Italy, with a dash of English eccentricity and a sprinkling of Disco fabulousness.

Dedicated to the history of the neighbourhood, the interiors carefully incorporate aesthetic nods to “the neons, sex shops and theatres” that define the area alongside a spectacular collection of artworks. A mix of high and low, some of the world’s most sought-after iconic pieces by the likes of Francis Bacon, Bridget Riley, Andy Warhol, and William Turnbull, sit amongst vintage relics and exciting emerging artists’ pieces from Faye Wei Wei and Casey Moore.

UP TO THE ROOFTOP FOR FLUTE

In the 19th century, Broadwick Street was home to a noted flute-maker, who inspired the name of the rooftop restaurant and bar that crowns the hotel, complete with a wraparound terrace that overlooks the streets of Soho and beyond.

The terrace’s rooftop location ensures a secluded and spacious experience accompanied by spectacular views for martini-drenched evenings and sunset dinners. Inside the bar, the devil is in the detail with a fusion of cocooned comfort and glamour defined by velvet drapes, cork walls, animal-print upholstery, and mirrored mosaic ceilings, all tied together by a lavish palm-frond carpet in shades of green, coral and cream. At the heart of it all lies an onyx-topped bar where bartenders expertly craft cocktails to pair with the ever-evolving lunch and dinner menus, designed for sharing with friends.

For the food menu, think lunchtime indulgence on a sunny terrace with a selection of larger plates served from noon, including Charred hispi cabbage with salsa rossa, nori and golden raisins; Grilled king prawn salad with avocado, tomatoes and yuzu beurre blanc; and Hereford rib eye steak with brown butter Bearnaise and fries. Come evening, switch to smaller plates such as Steak tartare with truffle and Berkswell cheese; and Tuna tostadas with guacamole and pickled chilli.

The cocktail list has been created by Catalin Ciont. For Flute he sought inspiration from 1970’s and 1980’s Soho to create a list featuring innovative twists on classic cocktails that pay tribute to iconic and evocative films shot in Soho, alongside a range of equally carefully considered non-alcoholic options. It includes drinks such as Sid and Nancy, made with Bulleit chocolate bourbon distillate, rhubarb and Aperol; and Night and the City, made with citrus vodka, fino, lemongrass, raspberry and pink grapefruit soda.

Alongside weekly DJs from Wednesday to Saturday, a cultural programme of live entertainment throughout the spring and summer showcases a range of events ranging from performances by local emerging talent to concerts by more established artists.

OFF THE STREET TO BAR JACKIE

Set on the ground floor, Bar Jackie is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant and bar - open for breakfast, coffees and cornetti, aperitivo and antipasti through to substantial plates for sharing feasts, followed by late night cocktails. Embodying fun, fabulousness and joy, Bar Jackie encapsulates the bohemian spirit of the neighbourhood, catering to the preferences of those who call Soho their stomping ground. The terrace is adorned with flourishing foliage and sun-trap seating, a perfect central London pit-stop to enjoy with friends, from breakfast to dinner and weekend brunch, or people-watch whilst sipping on a Negroni as the day drifts by.

Inside, the flamboyant interiors are defined by the striking Sienna marble counter and traditional, tiled bar at its heart. The welcoming space is packed from floor to ceiling with pattern, colour and texture; the maiolica wall covering, featuring a Sicilian folk pattern of grapes and flowers, is adorned with vintage Italian photography from the Golden Age, contrasted with a coral lacquered ceiling and high top formica tables with deep green leather seats.

Not just for hotel guests, breakfast at Bar Jackie is designed for hungry Londoners and visitors alike with a menu that stays true to the classics. Fresh juices, pastries and fruit salads, granola and yogurt are available alongside a choice of Eggs Royale, Florentine or Benedict with Prosciutto Cotto; and Full English and Vegetarian Breakfast. For a true Italian start to the day, sweet dishes include Pancakes with maple syrup or Brioche French toast, both served with Cornish Clotted Cream and Fresh Berries.

From long lunches through to late night feasting, diners can expect dishes that speak of refreshing salads and antipasti on the Amalfi Coast; and freshly cooked pizza and hearty bowls of pasta in the trattorias of Rome. Aperativi, insalti and pasta are made for sharing - Sea bass crudo served with fennel and blood orange; and Mushroom and mozzarella arancini; Yellowfin Tuna with cannellini beans and Semi-dried Datterini tomatoes; and Casarecce with Devon crab and scallop roe butter.

Bar Jackie’s Signature is the Pinsa Romana - a light pizza base with a soft, cloud-like centre and crisp exterior – which comes topped with both traditional and innovative combinations. Pick and mix for the table with San Marzano Tomato, Buffalo mozzarella with basil; Roman courgettes with capers, Taggiasche olives, Sicilian lemon and basil; and Stracciatella with mortadella and roasted pistachio.

The cocktail list, available in both Bar Jackie and Dear Jackie, is inspired by Italy’s greatest and most influential filmmaker of all time, Federico Fellini and includes artful recreations of his great works made with great care and attention. IL BIDONE combines Ron Santiago de Cuba 8 Year Old rum, Rubis chocolate wine, Cocchi Americano aperitivo, citrus and Clarified Banana Milk for a strong, rich drink; L’AMORE, highlights Italian flavours with a mix of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, Prosecco, White Grape, Apricot Soda and Sicilian Lemon; whilst ROMA is a floral blend of Tanqueray Nº Ten gin, Liqueur de violette, sparkling wine, lingonberry and citrus.


HEAD UNDERGROUND TO DEAR JACKIE


Hidden on the lower ground floor is the hotel's signature restaurant, Dear Jackie - a destination for Italian opulence, refined dining and nighttime glamour. Open exclusively for dinner, the seductive interiors create an air of intimacy with Murano lighting, crimson silk walls and plush banquettes that seamlessly blend glittering Italo Disco with la Dolce Vita sophistication.

The kitchen is led by esteemed Head Chef, Harry Faddy, formerly of The River Cafe and Aquavit London, who has designed a luxe, modern Italian menu that spotlights an array of exceptional pasta dishes and reimagined classics. Starters are traditionally light, with a focus on seafood and raw dishes, such as Seared Hand Dived Scallop with Champagne with trout toe and finger lime; Seabass Crudo with fennel and blood orange; and Hereford Beef Crudo with Imperial Oscietra Caviar and agretti.

Pasta dishes change by the season and focus on quality produce and simple flavours with maximum impact, whilst larger, main dishes are inventive and playful. Think Orecchiette with Cavolo nero with smoked almonds and Datterini tomatoes and Prawn, Baby Squid and Sicilian Lemon Risotto; Brixham Cod with fennel, artichoke and agretti; Pork Collar with roast treviso and zingy salsa verde; and Hereford Beef Fillet, balanced with black garlic, and bitter pink radicchio.

Desserts are indulgent, no less than the space, with generous servings of Tiramisu; Campari and Grapefruit Semifreddo with toasted almonds and white chocolate; and Ruby Cremoso with poached Yorkshire Rhubarb and ginger ice cream.

With a focus on exquisite, Italian wines, the extensive list is made to compliment the menu but also tell a story. Every bottle is created by farmers who have a deep sense of their land and a connection with nature, from renowned international classic regions and vintages to newer, lesser-known producers.


For more information please contact joshua@gemmabellandcompany.com

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