Greeting us on arrival was a suave, white marble oyster bar where we were to dine, and rugged, bare brick walls reminiscent of the location’s Spitalfields Market origins. Our coats taken and quickly seated at the bar, we began the Wright Brothers’ experience with a glass of Champagne as befitted the surroundings.
The Wright brothers were oyster merchants before becoming restaurateurs; the selection was extensive and the passing platters impressive. But oysters weren’t what we were there for. That will need a return visit. I could have ordered any and all from the menu – every dish looked appealing.
Moving on from the Champagne, our jolly, jazz-handed French waitress pointed us to a clean French pinot blanc and gave us a few suggestions on the food. Although there is a kitchen in the underbelly of the restaurant, certain dishes are prepared by a chef at the oyster bar. We enjoyed watching the chef crafting seafood platters at breakneck speed yet with utmost care.
For starters, a hot plate of octopus, pumpkin and broad beans arrived in a delectable garlic goo. The texture of the octopus contrasted delightfully with the the melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin pieces. This was my favourite taste sensation of the night. Blow-torched tiger prawns with a coriander and lime mayonnaise were also sublime.
For mains, a large fillet of fall-apart Bidford hake, braised arroncina beans, chorizo and spinach was a good one. The special of sea bream with pancetta, clams and a bit of green was baked to perfection.
We finished up with a decadent chocolate mousse and vanilla sauce, topped with dried raspberries and chocolate soil. My lady friend was in raptures. The “burnt cream” was also delicious.
All in all, start to finish, octopus to prawn to fish to clam, we had a superb experience chez The Wright Brothers, and one to be highly recommended!
