✕ ✕
Turning tips into memories
Login
Signup

You have reached the limit of free articles.


To enjoy unlimited access to Culture Whisper sign up for FREE.
Find out more about Culture Whisper

Please fix the following input errors:

  • dummy

Each week, we send newsletters and communication featuring articles, our latest tickets invitations, and exclusive offers.

Occasional information about discounts, special offers and promotions.


OR
LOG IN

OR
  • LOG IN WITH FACEBOOK

Thanks for signing up to Culture Whisper.
Please check your inbox for a confirmation email and click the link to verify your account.



EXPLORE CULTURE WHISPER
✕ ✕
Turning tips into memories
Login
Signup

Please fix the following input errors:

  • dummy
Forgot your username or password?
Don't have an account? Sign Up

OR
  • LOG IN WITH FACEBOOK

If you click «Log in with Facebook» and are not a Culture Whisper user, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and to our Privacy Policy, which includes our Cookie Use

Support Us Login
  • Home
  • Going Out
    • Things to do
    • Food & Drink
    • Theatre
    • Visual Arts
    • Cinema
    • Kids
    • Festival
    • Gigs
    • Dance
    • Classical Music
    • Opera
    • Immersive
    • Talks
  • Staying In
    • TV
    • Books
    • Cook
    • Podcast
    • Design
    • Netflix
  • Life & Style
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Gifting
    • Wellbeing
    • Lifestyle
    • Shopping
    • Jewellery
  • Explore
  • Shopping
  • CW SHOPS
  • Support Us
  • Get Started
  • Tickets
  • CW SHOPS
Get the Best of London Life, Culture and Style
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).
Food & Drink

Review: Old Compton Brasserie, Soho

One of the trendiest new restaurants in Soho, London, offers modern British cuisine and a cutting-edge cocktail menu

By Lucy Scovell on 8/10/2018

1 CW reader is interested
Old Compton Brasserie, Soho
Old Compton Brasserie, Soho
Review: Old Compton Brasserie, Soho Review: Old Compton Brasserie, Soho Lucy Scovell
The first thing you notice about Old Compton Brasserie – one of the trendiest new neighbourhood restaurants in Soho, London – is the space it occupies. It’s alive with bespoke artwork from local street artists, pop paintings featuring Twiggy and Kate Moss and neon light installations that resemble top-dollar works by Chilean artist Ivan Navarro.


The grand space, with a split-level mezzanine and top-notch bar, hums with chatter from a well-healed clientele. It’s a relaxed setting that suits a multitude of occasions, from an intimate dinner à deux to pre or post-theatre drinks with friends.


TRY CULTURE WHISPER
Receive free tickets & insider tips to unlock the best of London — direct to your inbox
Kick off the evening at the bar with a bespoke cocktail from renowned mixologist Matt Whiley. The menu is concise but intriguing: many of the aperitifs and cocktails are inspired by ‘Soho’s most treasured legends’. ‘The Paul Raymond,’ for example, is an ode to the ‘King of Soho,’ while the ‘Regina Fong’ is a homage to the cult 60s female impersonator. For those with a more traditional palette, the St Germain Royale comes highly recommended. If nothing on the menu takes your fancy, the friendly bar staff will gladly concoct an alternative.



Old Compton Brasserie, Soho


Food is Modern British: bistro-style fish, meat and vegetarian dishes, as well salads, burgers and sandwiches grace the all-day menu. The choice is extensive but offers no surprises. To start, we shared a Burratina with rosemary marinated tomatoes, kale pesto, crispy kale and grilled sourdough, and kedgeree scotch eggs. Portion size, in both cases, was spot on, and plates were artfully dressed. A delicious start to the meal!


But the starters, disappointingly, were the star turn. The seared tuna nicoise, served with half a gem lettuce, a wilted red onion side salad and far too much gloopy dressing, failed to entice, while the 10oz rib eye (the most expensive dish on the menu at £25) was chewy rather than tender. As mains do not go a long way, order sides aplenty. The beef dripping triple cooked chips are quite delicious and easily the side of choice. You can thank us later.


Old Compton Brasserie, Soho


On ordering desert, however, things brightened up considerably. The indulgent baked vanilla cream, raspberry millefeuille merits recommendation, as does the chocolate orange mousse with mango and lime sorbet. Striking a charming balance in the mouth, the mousse put the meal right back on track.


It’s not a mind-blowing menu, nor is the interior revolutionary. But the service, value and the food are good. It's a great spot for a cocktail or last minute reservation, but by no means is Old Compton Brasserie a destination restaurant in its own right.


What Review: Old Compton Brasserie, Soho
Where Old Compton Brasserie, 34-36 Old Compton Street, Soho, London, W1D 4TT | MAP
Nearest tube Piccadilly Circus (underground)
Price ££
Website Please click here for more information



Most popular

Best London Exhibition to see now
Top exhibitions on now in London
Things to do in London this weekend: 9–11 June
Things to do in London this weekend: 9–11 June
Irene Maiorino and Alba Rohrwacher in My Brilliant Friend season 4, HBO/Sky Atlantic (Photo: HBO)
My Brilliant Friend, season 4, Sky Atlantic: first-look photo, release date, plot, cast

Editor's Picks

London's cosiest pubs
Cosy pubs in London to visit this autumn
Hakkasan, forever glamorous
These are the best restaurants in the West End
Sweetbreads, yeast, lardo, fermented mustard: photography by Matt Sills
October's foodie events to book
Your guide to the best coffee shops across London
Your guide to the best coffee shops in London: 2021 edition
The best pubs and bars in Chelsea, London
The best pubs and bars in Chelsea, London
Roux at the Landau
Roux at the Landau, Regent Street
Sign up to CW’s newsletter
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).
1

Soho

You might like

  • David Beckham and Guy Ritchie buy £3 pub The Walmer Castle

    The Walmer Castle pub: David Beckham and Guy Ritchie’s new joint

  • Idris Elba's new bar: The Parrot, Covent Garden

    A cocktail bar owned by Idris Elba: The Parrot, Covent Garden

  • Coal Office, Tom Dixon

    Coal Office Restaurant, King's Cross

  • Battersea Lates

    Battersea Lates, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

  • Why the tenth London Restaurant Festival is the best yet

    Why the tenth London Restaurant Festival is the best yet

  • Neptune Devon caviar with freshly made potato waffle & house cultured Jersey cream, photograph by Steven Joyce

    Neptune at The Principal ★★★★★



  • The Culture Whisper team
  • Support Us
  • Tickets
  • Contact us
  • Press
  • FAQ
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions
  • Cookies
  • Discover
  • Venues
  • Restaurants
  • Stations
  • Boroughs
Sign up to CW’s newsletter
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).
×