Discover the essence of Southern hospitality at Americana, nestled in Haymarket, one of London’s most vibrant locations. Whether you’re planning a family lunch or a relaxed evening with friends, Americana offers an array of authentic Southern soul food and drinks that cater to all occasions, served from early hours until well past midnight.
Upon entering Americana, you’re greeted by an energetic atmosphere, pleasant background music, and tastefully designed interiors. The staff, always sporting big smiles, are attentive and eager to assist. Our waitress was particularly exceptional, with her great sense of humour and insightful recommendations. Her delightful jokes and warm demeanour made our dining experience a true pleasure. She truly set the bar high for exceptional hospitality in an age where excellent service is becoming increasingly rare.
Our gastronomic journey began with a trio of perfectly crafted starters: Colchester Oysters grilled with garlic butter and breadcrumbs, beautifully presented and exploding with flavour; a surprisingly generous Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail in Marie Rose sauce, showcasing the succulent shrimp cooked to perfection; and tender Smoked British Chicken Wings, accompanied by homemade ranch and celery batons, which effortlessly fell off the bone and harmonised with the creamy sauce, creating a delightful balance of heat and spice.
For drinks, we entrusted our talented waitress with a playful challenge – to surprise us with both an alcoholic and a non-alcoholic concoction. She rose to the occasion, presenting us with two refreshing and uniquely delicious beverages. The alcoholic drink was a true spectacle, featuring an amazing smoked wood aroma and a captivating mist emanating from the glass. The scent and presentation were both mesmerising and truly elevated the experience.
Our mains featured a skilfully cooked Iberico pork chop glazed with apple, expertly paired with smashed loaded potatoes topped with bacon, jack cheese, sour cream, and spring onions. The apple glaze accentuated the pork chop’s tender, juicy flavour, while the creamy potatoes with hidden bacon bits offered delightful surprises in every bite. We also savoured the slow-smoked baby back pork ribs drenched in Americana’s signature BBQ sauce, served with crispy chips, pit beans, and slaw. The ribs provided a rich, smoky flavour that left us craving more.
For dessert, we indulged in a luscious chocolatey chocolate tart accompanied by Chantilly, raspberry sorbet, and caramelised white chocolate, a heavenly combination that showcased the artful balance of chocolate and raspberry. We also enjoyed a visually stunning and creatively presented cheesecake with mixed berries, strawberry coulis, and granola crumbs. Each dessert was expertly prepared and absolutely delectable, making it impossible to choose a favourite.
If I were pressed to pick a dish from each category, my top choices would be the Smoked British Chicken Wings for starters, the Iberico Pork Chop for the main course, and the Chocolatey Chocolate Tart for dessert.
My visit to Americana was nothing short of extraordinary. The exceptional food, attentive staff, and vibrant atmosphere ensure that we’ll be returning for more of this soul-pleasing Southern experience. Try for yourself here!
Images by Louis Mennear
