Serving customers for over 125 years, Gow’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Liverpool Street is considered by many to be an institution. However, after such a long service and a recent makeover has the first wine bar in the City of London lost its lustre?
The Venue:
Just a stones throw from the ever-teeming Liverpool Street station, the restaurant is surrounded by old pubs, whose clientele chatter and sip pints in the midsummer sun. Tucked away under a popular bar, the restaurant itself is an elegant wood panelled affair which, upon entering, feels like something of a hidden gem. The décor is elegant, with crisp white napkins and soft music playing in the background, giving the place a timeless appeal.
Steeped in gastronomical history, Gow's Restaurant is something of a foodie institution.
The Atmosphere & Clientele:
We had chosen to eat midweek, so the restaurant was relatively quiet; we observed two ladies lingering over a bottle of wine, well dressed city workers and couples splashing out on a good meal, as well as avid seafood fans in search of the freshest oysters. While the atmosphere was somewhat subdued, the place was cosy, making it a perfect venue to bring a work client and really talk.
Gow's Restaurant is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate.
The Food & Drink:
The menu offers fish lovers a real feast. Opting to share a few dishes, my guest and I happily tucked into a divine Devon crab crumble and the generous Gow’s Smoked fish board. The fish platter was a hearty mix of sliced salmon, herring and mackerel accompanied by granary bread, olive oil and fiery wasabi for dipping. For mains, alongside the excellent house South African Sauvignon Blanc, we ordered smoked haddock fishcakes and whole grilled lemon sole. A few bites in and it’s clear; Gow’s is a place for indulgence.
The wine poured at Gow's Restaurant offer the perfect complement to their famous seafood serving.
Summary:
If you need to bring a client to a restaurant with excellent transport links and incredible food, Gow’s Restaurant should be your first choice: the old school décor, unobtrusive waiting team and unashamedly classy service make this the ideal place to impress your guest. With its high class tastes and amazing food, I imagine that Gow’s will still be serving fresh oysters and champagne to London’s hungry punters for some time to come.
