The YOPO restaurant at The Mandrake Hotel is a culinary paradise that is not to be missed.
- Location: The Mandrake 20-21 Newman Street London W1T 1PG
- Book a table here!
Stepping through the grand entrance of The Mandrake, a luxurious 5-star boutique hotel located on the prestigious Newman Street, I was immediately transported to a realm of unparalleled opulence and comfort. The hotel’s reputation for excellence precedes it, and upon entering, it’s not hard to see why it’s listed among London’s Top 50 Boutique Hotels and has been adorned with multiple accolades. The grandeur of the hotel is evident in every detail, inviting guests to indulge in the ultimate in comfort and refinement.
The entrance itself adds an unexpected element, with a dark, almost cold-feeling corridor leading to a bright white light that welcomes guests into the hotel, creating a unique and thrilling experience that sets The Mandrake apart from other hotels. It definitely gave me a memorable experience, without a doubt. I appreciated this unexpected start as it added to the hotel’s uniqueness and luxury.
As I was greeted by the friendly staff and brought to the hotel’s hidden gem, the YOPO restaurant, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The interior was striking, with a dark and intimate decor, and a unique electric, wild-inspired mix of music playing in the background. The music may not have been my personal preference, but it worked perfectly with the atmosphere. My servers, Veronika and Jenn, were outstanding. They were polite, helpful, and went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of amazing.
We began our culinary journey with the Seeded Wholemeal Sourdough, South Downs Butter & Olive Oil, which was freshly baked and served warm. The butter and olive oil perfectly complemented the bread, setting the tone for the rest of the meal. From the small plates menu, we chose the Beef & White Bean Empanadas and the Grilled Octopus, Potato, Caper Leaf & Hot Smoked Paprika. The empanadas were a unique and delicious treat, and the presentation of the octopus was truly artistic.
From the larger plates, we selected the Scallops, Tomatillos & Mango, which were elegantly plated and bursting with flavour. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and the combination of the tomatillos and mango added a unique and delicious twist. We also had the Yellowtail, Plantain & Aji Tiradito, which was a flavorful and expertly crafted dish. The Yellowtail was fresh and the Plantain and Aji Tiradito added a nice balance of sweetness and heat to the dish. I would highly recommend both of these dishes to anyone looking for a culinary experience. The plantains were thinly sliced and crispy, adding an enjoyable texture to the dish.
For my main course, I chose the Joseph Grilled Sirloin, Charred Spring Onions & Chimichurri. It was cooked to perfection, medium rare, the sirloin was juicy and flavorful, and the charred spring onions added a nice char flavour. The Chimichurri sauce complemented the dish perfectly, adding a tangy and herby flavour. For my side dish, I had the Crushed Morhgew Estate Potato, Parmesan & Bottarga, which was a culinary masterpiece. The potatoes were creamy and buttery, and the Parmesan and Bottarga added a nice salty and umami flavour. The crushed texture of the potatoes was unique and added a nice texture to the dish. Overall the flavours and presentation of the dishes were outstanding.
Finally, to end our meal on a sweet note, we indulged in the White Chocolate Alfajore, Almond, Guava & Dulce de Leche and the Island Chocolate Royal, Coffee & Mezcal Ice Cream for dessert. Both desserts were delicious and the perfect conclusion to a truly outstanding meal. The White Chocolate Alfajore had a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, and the Island Chocolate Royal was the royal finish to our dining experience. Both desserts were a sweet way to end our memorable meal.
After our meal, we were given a tour of the hotel by Sean. He was very knowledgeable about the hotel, providing detailed explanations of the different rooms and amenities offered at The Mandrake Hotel. Not only was he informative, but he was also an entertaining guide, having us in stitches as he showed us around the various rooms, including the luxurious Penthouse and Mandrake Suite. Both were impressive in size and amenities, making it easy to understand why they are so popular with guests. One of the highlights of the hotel for me was exiting the elevator on the top floor and stepping out onto a wooden-panelled balcony filled with fresh air and foliage. What a great way to get to your room, but let’s not forget that you can also get to your room without exiting via the outdoor balcony, because, you know, sometimes it rains, and you don’t want to get wet!
In conclusion, my experience at The Mandrake and YOPO restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary. The atmosphere was truly one-of-a-kind, setting the perfect tone for the meal like no other place I’ve ever been to before, and exceeded all of my wildest expectations. From the friendly staff who treated me like royalty, to the impeccable service, mouth-watering food, and luxurious ambiance, every aspect of my experience was exceptional. I can confidently say that the YOPO restaurant is my all-time favorite restaurant, not just in London, but in the entire world. They have raised the bar to new heights for any future dining experiences, and I highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a culinary adventure that will be talked about for years to come. So, pack your bags, put on your fancy pants, and get ready for a dining experience that will leave you speechless and leave you wanting more. It’s truly an experience that you don’t want to miss!
Book a table here!
