Coquine

Having only been open since April 2010,Coquine in Old Brompton Road is becoming a very lively and active venue whether for a light lunch, full-scale dinner or simply rounding off the evening with a cocktail and sharing platter.On the night we paid a visit around 8pm,Coquine was pretty vibrant and busy with a middle aged couple dining,a group of young ladies enjoying cocktails,a group of young business-people and a number of younger clientele enjoying drinks and platters on the outdoor tables.With the very young yet classical feel to the venue and the attractive decor and the softened music,the venue is suited to any age group.Coquine has a mixed aesthetic of Persian and Arabic style lamps,cut glass decanters also form a modified form of lampholder and some amazing chairs which look almost as if made out of handblown glass,but which in fact are a clear acrylic plastic and gilt,but look superb.The restaurant trades mainly on the ground floor but On the lower floor is a delightful "alcove" style dining area or after-dinner retreat for couples or generally a quiet space for chat and drinks.The space below can also be utilised for private parties,for about 80 people.

We were welcomed by a very attentive and efficient staff.Manager Thierry Brocher introduced my guest and I to a splendid array of cocktails to choose from as our aperitif.Each day a "Special" cocktail is concocted to add variety and change to an already burgeoning range from which to choose.

On the evening in question we were treated to an amazing special of the day,which contained Gin,Liquorice,Lemon,Gomme (a form of fructose syrup)and Lime.

For those wishing to partake of wine as opposed to cocktails,a very reasonably priced House Wine comes in at around £16 a bottle,with vintage wines starting at about £36 upwards.

For our Entrees we chose Tiger Prawn Tartine (Grilled Tiger Prawns on a very light toast with Guacamole and Baby Cress) At £7.50 and Seared Scallops with a Chardonnay Reduction at £8. Both were excellent,the prawns tender yet meaty and with just the right amount of spiciness.The scallops were equally good,juicy and tender,nicely seared and one could taste the freshness of them. In the selection of entrees,a superb choice is offered Steak Tartare,Mezze,Duck rolls and Squid to name but a few.

With our Main Course we were tempted by the friendly staff to try another cocktail-For this we chose Balsamico made with Bombay Sapphire Gin,Apple Juice,Framboise,Fresh Strawberries with Balsamico,Lemon Juice and Soda.(£7.50) It was a pretty good choice,the kick of the gin,balsamico and lemon togeher with the almost fragrant strawberry made for a superb mix of tastes and flavours to the senses. There is an excellent range in the Mains Menu-with something for everyone,Fish,Lamb,Beef,Lobster and for Vegetarians Caesar Salad and a Coquine salad.

For our Main to eat-My guest chose Grilled Sea Bass on Roasted Green Beans,with Cherry Tomato and Balsamic Vinegar (£13.50).It looked superb,nicely seared,beautifully white,the freshness clearly visible and deliciously tender-Not a bone in sight either! always worth an extra star!

The vegetables,were done to perfection and we chose French Fries,golden and nicely crisp and Honey and Thyme Roasted Baby Veg as the Side Dishes at £3.50 each.

I chose Rack of Lamb,which was served in a delicious herb crust,with Watercress and Roast Tomatoes together surprisingly with Horseradish-which worked well as opposed to its usual accompaniment to beef.

After the main and taking time to enjoy the ambience and surroundings of Coquine,which surprisingly has its staircase and other parts of the venue decorated with reclaimed cobalt blue glazed tiles saved from the refurb of the London Underground.We chose another delicious cocktail,The Socialite,comprising a whole lemon,mixed withvanilla liquer,mango and Belvedere Citrus(£8) and this was an amazing choice to go with the Desserts offered.

We both plumped for Baileys Creme Brulee(£5.50),creamy,rich,delicious,the topping sugar just caramelized beautifully with a "cracking" glaze-In every sense of the word!

Also there is a delicate and dainty Strawberry Tarte served as a threesome on a platter,which is equally delicious with Pistachio Ice Cream.

To finish there is of course Coffee or Teas from a wide selection but I was encourage to try yet another Cocktail, the Basil Bramble(£8),with Bombay Sapphire Gin,Basil Sugar from a home-made recipe,and creme de mure,on crushed ice. It was gorgeous,delicately fragrant with the berry fruits on top of the ice and very rich and nicely sweet-like Fruits of the Forest.

All in all,a superb evening,a very good atmosphere with the decor and music and most of all amazing food and brilliant attentive staff.

Upon asking how Coquine got its name,it emerges from the French for what one would describe in the UK as a "Coquette-ish young maid" in the basement of Coquine are some amazing paintings almost Marie-Antionette style which look wonderful.
Comment on this reader review

Terence Jolley
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, June 12, 2010