A discerning plot tucked down a cobbled alleyway, No1 Duke Street is like wandering through the wardrobe and discovering Narnia; if Narnia had the character of a cool neighbourhood lounge bar. Alas, the search for Aslan continues.
The Venue
Oozing contemporary elegance, No 1 Duke Street strikes a chord with regal, modern stylings that echo classic Parisian design. Handled with a crisp and clean temperament you’ll find a dining space finished in whites with accents of dark colours, different textures from ceramic to leather to woods as well as splashes of lush green plants. Split into 2 different areas downstairs, you’ll walk into a bar space that feels both suave and laid back. Leading into the main dining area you’ll find seating framed around a statement bar centre piece with lounging booths, tables and cool chairs making this space ideal for both a sit down meal or relaxing drinks. No 1 Duke Street has come onto the scene pushing sophisticated style and an effortless finesse.
An open kitchen at the helm makes for a chic open space
The Food
The kitchen here doesn't try to be anything it’s not, which is something you cherish among London eateries. Keeping to simple, hearty and classic British cuisine the food here feels both gourmet and homely all at the same time. Think if your mum were a professional chef (aka the dream).
Hitting the menu hard and opting for a full 3 course spread, here’s how our evening went down. Feeling the winter chill we went head first for the Mini Honey Sausages (£7.95) which were like an early Christmas mouthful. For mains I chose the Slow Cooked Short Rib of Beef with Swede mash (£19.50) and a side of Garlic French Beans (£4.50). Truly cooked to perfection, the meat fell apart from the bone and the bed of jus and swede mash complimented every forkful. My companion went for the House Made Shepherd’s Pie with Pumpkin & Winterdale Shaw Cheddar (£14.50) which was served in a generously sized ramekin dish. A step up from your mum’s best recipe, this was a certified winter warmer and will satisfy any Shepherd’s Pie connoisseur. We even dabbled in some of the Truffle Macaroni Cheese (£4) on the side, just because, well you know ... Truffles ‘n’ cheeeeese. Pudding took the form of the Blackberry Posset with Mascarpone Cream and Blackberry Coulis (£6.50). We found our sweet and creamy heaven in the first mouthful.
They host a menu of small, sharing dishes, hearty mains and filling puds
The Atmosphere
Even though we ventured down on a Monday there was a pleasant buzz circulating with people lounging in the leather arm chairs, reading with a coffee or sitting at the bar with a glass of wine. The ambiance is incredibly laid-back and ideal for both a sit down meal or a casual catch up with drinks. There's even a whole upstairs section that's worth investigating should you fancy a spot of table football in their snug armchair clad room or should you find yourself in need of a private hire area that boasts a beautiful dining and socialising space as well as it's own dedicated bar.
Warmly lit and comforting for social and dinner gatherings
The Summary
Even though you'll find yourself venturing out to Richmond for a piece of No1 Duke Street, it'll be worth every extra penny on your Oyster. Having just opened this very winter the venue have done a fantastic job of establishing themselves at the forefront of gastro foods and social dining in London. The space is huge but intimate in feel and with an alfresco patio (adorned with hoards of blankets) you can wile away the winter with some warming grub here.
