With aggressive competition for trade, restaurants in London have had to up their game in recent times allowing customers to enjoy fine dining and carefully selected drinks with some extra musical magic thrown in.
Madison, part of the D&D London luxury restaurants chain, is one such venue who have recently introduced 'Soul Sunday's' to it's many stunning venues.
Set on the sixth floor rooftop of One New Change right beside St. Paul's Cathedral the views from Madison are simply stunning. With the sun shinning on a cold crisp winter's afternoon, you could almost reach out and touch Christopher Wren's masterpiece, and with the Shard glimmering from the city and the London Eye, like a perfect miniature, there are few restaurants with a better view of London's landmarks. Seriously. It's an extraordinary setting which will really come into it's own in the summer, though plenty of people were braving the outside space this weekend, with rugs and heaters laid on for the chillier months.
This Soul Sunday it was Gavin Holligan's Soul Remix whetting the appetite, with the talented singer-songwriter sharing his full-flavored set of soul, jazz and pop fusion.
'Autumn Leaves' originally French song 'Les Feuilles Mortes' kicked off the piano based live set and it was clear that the keys / vocal and guitarist combo perfectly suited the laid back mood. As Sunday afternoon unfolded, staff attentive and freindly, George Gershwin's 'Summer Time' and the 1937 show tune 'My Funny Valentine' were welcomed with a ripple of applause. The sound quality was perfect, as was the food. My roast belly of pork, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese & Bramley apple sauce was exquisite, the crackling a delight. We can also vouch for the roast fillet of stone bass, squid & aubergine ragout, green olive tapenade, basil, a delicate but joyous taste sensation.
Sam Smith's 'Stay With Me', delivered with honey glazed vocal, was served along with our sticky toffee pudding, brandy custard and roasted pecan nuts in a delicious finale. With the lovely hubbub of satisfied afternoon dinners, as the sun streamed through the large sloping windows offering a clear view of London it was hard to image a more perfect Sunday meal setting.
Pop highlights came with Coldplay's 'Fix You' and James Bay's 'Let It Go' and Hollligan even convinced with a jazz version of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' which was an unexpected addition.
Spacious and relaxed the Sunday menu includes three courses, including a sharing or individual roast with all the trimmings, and half a bottle of wine per person, for £38. There is also an a la carte menu and an amazing selection of brunches on offer to cater for all tastes.
Book a table here or call 0203 693 5160.
