Quartier, Eight Members Club

In the heart of London’s financial district, nestled high above the bustling streets, Eight Club Moorgate offers a refuge for the weary city slicker. A members only club, this is unchartered territory for all but the most well off, but we’ve found a loophole –  a Groupon deal for a seven course tasting menu in their Quartier restaurant.

The entrance, a modest gateway, led us into a dimly lit, speakeasy style reception where, after a fair wait, our coats were taken.
After a stroll across a well-dressed courtyard, and one short lift ride we arrived in the restaurant, and were seated by the window at a large round table with panoramic views of London’s skyline.

Chic, classic decor, wood panelling and soft lighting created an understated elegance which was matched by the service. The staff, attentive yet unobtrusive, seemed to anticipate our needs, making us feel valued, and not at all second-rate for dining with a voucher.

The meal kicked off with a wild mushroom parfait, accompanied by pickled baby onions and truffle-infused sourdough. The aroma was as inviting as the flavours were rich; a harmonious blend that started the evening on a high note.

Next, beetroot-cured salmon with smoked quail egg and a zesty lemon dressing was presented beautifully. The freshness of the salmon paired perfectly with the intense woody flavour of the egg, and the portion size was more than generous given the number of courses still to come.

After this came Jerusalem artichoke and chestnut risotto, a cream-heavy salty concoction which divided our table. Some found it too salty and rich while others swore it was one of the best things they’d ever eaten. Proof, as if we needed it, that you can never please all of the people all of the time. This dish stood out for me too because it was swapped in for me in place of another dish I couldn’t eat. We made the request, and with no fuss it was done. If only all such requests were so seamlessly handled, dining out would be a dream.

To follow was perhaps the most intriguing dish. Cod cake, served with cucumber, trout caviar, and silken plantain and peanut butter sauce. The combination was daring yet successful, the starchiness of the plantain and nuttiness of the peanuts contrasted against the cucumber and fresh cod was an unusual combination, but it worked like a dream.

As a pre-dessert, the mango and tequila granita raised up high in a margarita glass and glowing with the light from our table lamp, was refreshing and vibrant, cleansing the palate perfectly and setting us up for the grand finale.

Dessert was a white chocolate and raspberry entremet which, you may not be surprised to learn, we had to google to understand.
It turns out an entremet is a french-originating multi-layered dessert comprised of a variety of components such as sponge cake, mousse and fruit compote, assembled using moulds or rings to create a minimalist polished finish.

This one, an immaculate little tower adorned with caramelized pistachios, was the perfect end to our meal. It was rich yet balanced, with the tartness of the raspberry cutting through the sweetness of the white chocolate exquisitely.

Leaving Quartier, we all agreed that the blend of stunning views, thoughtful perfectly paced service, and culinary excellence made the evening not just a meal, but an event. 

Quartier isn’t just doing something right; they’re setting the bar for what a fine dining experience should be. We will be back!