our review
On the hottest evening of the year so far, Prism's windowless dining room might not be the obvious choice. However, as we stepped from the humid streets into the blissfully air-conditioned sanctuary, we knew we had made the right decision. The high ceilings and soaring columns give the former Bank of New York building an airy, if somewhat formal, charm and I imagine it is prime City slicker territory at lunchtime. On a Friday evening, however, there wasn't a braying banker in sight and our fellow diners were quiet couples and smart post-work groups enjoying drinks and bar bites.
Cocktails are particularly good at Prism, though they're not cheap at around 8-9 quid each. To start, we tried a Cluedo-themed tipple - the Colonel Mustard - made with mustard vodka from London distillery, Sipsmith. This was advertised elsewhere as a pear-flavoured conconction but what appeared at our table was more like an apple sour, complete with apple crisp. Absinthe green in colour, it was sour but smooth with a fiery after-kick from the mustard vodka. If apple's not your thing, try the Bloody Scarlet - Prism's take on the classic Bloody Mary, with an extra punch from the mustard vodka. To accompany our cocktails, a board of mini-nibbles - prawns with lemon and chilli; tiny skewered quail's eggs topped with celery salt; and delicious chunks of fried chorizo on blobs of pungent aioli. All delicious and greedily demolished in seconds.
My starter of pea risotto had a creamy, comfort food consistency with crisp pea shoots, lemon and mint adding a summery freshness. The plump garden peas were sweet, if a little undercooked, and the rice, despite its pleasing bite, would have benefited from more seasoning. My companion fared better with a special of ox cheek ravioli - plump pasta parcels filled with an exceptionally rich, meaty ragu. Some excellent nutty bread came in handy for mopping up the sauce bordelaise, intensely flavoured with thyme, beef stock and good red wine.
While I struggled to pick a main course from the slightly uninspiring list, my companion immediately plumped for the Longhorn rib eye and was rewarded with a hefty, full-flavoured slab of cow. The wooden board it arrived on isn't to everyone's taste (as they don't retain heat very well) but the steak itself was perfectly cooked with a smoky char on the outside and tender pink flesh within. While not quite up there with Hawksmoor's beefy offerings, this was definitely one of the better steaks we've been served in the City.
A small side of spring greens was nice enough and some uninteresting chips were improved by dunking them in more of the bordelaise sauce (so good it had to be enjoyed twice). Less successful was my smoked poached haddock. This may have been a poor choice on my part but the generous piece of smoked fish smothered in hollandaise sauce was just too rich and far too much. Sat on it's bed of salty samphire and accompanied by shards of crisp Parma ham which was saltier still, this was an unfortunate bit of ordering on my part.
With the pianist in one corner and the warm pink light streaming through the faux-windows, it's easy to lose track of time at Prism. We lingered over a white chocolate dessert, which was inexplicably accompanied by dried fruit. In July? Surely berries would have made more sense? Thankfully, we left on a high as the charming manager handed over two adorably childish mini ice-cream cones and we stepped out on to the still-warm streets, dripping raspberry sauce all the way to Bank. Our meal might not have been flawless but we've rarely had such an enjoyable evening in the heart of the City - an area not exactly heaving with first class eateries. Full marks to our knowledgeable waitress too, for ensuring that Prism was a pleasant surprise at every stage.
KP - July 2010
what the critics say
City AM
your comments review this restaurant and win a bottle of champagne
I just love this place. I always feel so welcome when I come back and they scarily always know what I want. I arrived late one day for my reservation and my guests had already ordered. The waiter knew what I always ordered and it was ready for me when I arrived - now that is what I call service!
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Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 23, 2011
THE CITY may be a hustling,bustling place with many eat-on-the-hoof,grab-a-bite takeaways and sandwich deli's but if "time should leave you here awhile" certainly pay a visit to the wonderful PRISM Restaurant in Leadenhall Street.
A mere stones throw from the Lloyds building and a short walk from the Bank of England and Royal Exchange,PRISM is a vibrant and happening venue,yet seems a haven of calm from the buzz of the City.
We visited to partake of some splendid and varied fayre,in the most amazing ambient surroundings of the former Bank of New York building,boasting Neo-Classical columns and an amazingly high ceilings has been converted by architects Liftschutz to create an elegant 1920's feel to moden 21st Century Dining.
Harvey Nichols the owners of PRISM certainly have come up trumps with this amazing location in which to situate a restaurant and bar. Not only is the venue for dining,but private-dining and receptions can be catered for on a splendid mezzanine level with wndow overlooking the main restaurant below.It is reached by a delightful winding marble staircase. As is the additional bar in the cellar of the restaurant which used to house the vaults of the Bank of New York.
We were greeted by an attentive and very caring,bubbly and professional staff at the restaurant and were allowed time to partake of a cocktail from the wide variety to choose from on the menu,before dining.
As one would expect PRISM cater for all clients with a very substantial range of beers,wines,spirits,champagnes and cocktails-So there is something for everyone.Even the teetotal have a delightful selection of soft drinks,tea and coffee.
On the point of taking tea-PRISM also offer an afternoon tea menu which can be taken in the conservatory which is a corridor on the ground floor,exposed to natural light from its glass ceiling and is set out with astroturf and artificial though authentic looking clematis climbing the trellis to give a real outdoors-indoors feel.
Onto the restaurant and dining itself-On the evening of our visit we were entertained by a wonderful pianist/singer which added a marvellous feel to the place. PRISM also has varied entertainments throughout the year.Mondays host film nights,there are regular musical evenings.Details can be found on the Prism website for these details.
We started by choosing a selection of canapes from a very reasonable £3.95 for 4-ranging to around £5.95 of Mini Chorizo and Aioli,which were very tasty. Spicy Peppadew peppers filled with Goats Cheese and Lemon were next and last ,but by no means least were freshwater Prawns Marinated in Lemon and Chilli. These made ideal starters from the menu selection titled "Little Picks" as most were served on cocktail sticks.
Following this for the Starter my guest chose Smoked salmon,served with delicately sliced radish,cucumber and a lemon creme fraiche.Which was prettily arranged and tasted as good as it looked. I chose Poached Duck Egg,Celeriac Remoulade with Parma Ham and a watercress Sauce. The most attractive thing about my choice was the variety of colour and texture,a gorgeous vivid green Watercress sauce,smooth and creamy went well with the grated textures and sweet taste of the Celeriac and the smoothness of the egg with a bright yellow yolk.The Palma Ham was crisp and added a splash of red-colour to the plate-Almost a colour palette of tasteful beauty!
For the choice of wine,we were guided by the Somellier to go for a delicate and yet fruity and mellow Harvey Nichols Sauvignon Blanc,AC Bordeuax 09.At £22.50 per bottle.
There is one should say a fantastic wine list in which Harvey Nichols house wines feature starting from a very reasonable £5.95 per glass/£15.50 per carafe.
Looking at the Menu-PRISM serves both a la carte and set meals-Set Meals coming in at a very modest £24.50 for two courses and £29.50 for three.
For the main course,of which there are again several wide ranging choices,of fish,meats,poultry and even vegetarian in the choice of lasagne -Mains starting from around the £15 mark,My guest chose Roast saddle of Rabbit,Pan Fried Baby Artichoke,Carrot and Nutmeg Puree and Rabbit Jus at £18.50. I opted for Red Mullet,Saute Baby Squid,Oven Roasted Tomato,which Chargrilled Curly Kale,Fennel and Saffron Aioli at £21.95. The rabbit was superb,tender,delicate-Amazing textures and flavours complementing each other in the delicate artichokes,carrot and the fragrant yet almost subtle nutmeg overtones.
To accompany a varied selection of side dishes is available at around £2.75.Our choices being Chantennay carrots with VBlossom Honey and Thyme,giving a gorgeous sweet and delicately herby taste.
Moving onto dessert,which our waiter told us was "the MOST important part of any meal" and I have to agree with him,being a sweet-toothed sugar fiend myself. My guest-not being as sweet-toothed as I chose Frozen Praline Parfait with fresh Kentish Cherries.She described it as "simply splendid" and the cherries in a rich sauce as "Delicieux!" I went for the Spiced Plum Fool with Vanilla Cream which was equally splendid,the Plums just sweet and complimenting the Shortbread layer and Vanilla.The spice flavour not in the least overpowering-Just right.
PRISM is a place I can highly recommend.Service is efficient,friendly,thorough and professional.The ambience is amazing,fantastic Neo-Classical surroundings-In fact it is rumoured that,but not confirmed that the former Banking Hall was the one used in the Mary Poppins film as the set of the "Dawes,Tomes,Mousley,Grubbs Fidelity Fiduciary Bank" when the public surge forward to withdraw their deposits in the interior scenes.I'll certainly be watching more closely the next time this film repeats!!
The food offer is truly awe-inspiring,We took far longer than we should just trying to choose from the menu of mouthwatering delights and we will most definitely be back to try more in the forthcoming months.The set menu given its reasonable pricing makes the affordability factor really count and this should enable not only the City client base enjoy a great meal but also it should appeal to courting-couples,ladies who lunch and even the tourist discovering the City to pop in to savour a gastronomic treat!
5/5 Excellent-Give your taste buds a treat today,and make your stomach smile!! Remember the acronym PRISM... Prism Restaurant is Simply Magnificent.
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TerenceJolley
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, November 14, 2010
New menu at Prism, and some fab new art work, the whole place seems a bit more relaxed, though service was still as lovely as ever. Been a fan of Prism for a while (though infrequent, more of a treat). The new menu has loads of stuff that you want to eat, I ended up having a small starter - listed under a category called "small picks" and then an option from both the salad section and a starter, all really good and there is lots more i would want to try. Price is definitely more pocket friendly than previously, which is great news for me was it means i can afford to go more often, I would consider it for an "everyday albeit delicious lunch" as opposed to a special treat. Good Move Guys!
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Overall rating 
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My partner took me to Prism, last week for lunch, he dines there often as he works within the City, however this was my first time....... I absolutely loved it.
The food and service was great and the atmosphere with the live piano music was lovely.
I really enjoyed dining at this hidden gem in the City.
I would definatley recommend and will definately be going back!
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Ms. P Johnson
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, September 03, 2009
@alittledavetime Thank you! I'll pass the recs on :)
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