28 Bow Street is one of Covent Garden’s most beautiful buildings, with an intriguing history to match (the Grade II-listed site was once the infamous Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station). Now in the midst of a rather more glamorous era under the New York-born hotel group, NoMad London’s grand dining room is the stuff of Instagram dreams come true: a lofty, glass-ceilinged atrium with chic green upholstery and verdant plant life. Come evening, the restaurant is bathed in the rosy glow of candlelight, which makes for the perfect pairing with Executive Chef Ashley Abodeely’s exquisite Valentine’s menu. Snack on caviar and oysters (laden with a snowfall of frozen champagne) before dishes like burrata with grilled beetroot, beef short rib with cavolo nero and luscious lobster tagliatelle with lemon and uni butter. After pudding (the almond mousse with chocolate cookie crumble is ethereal yet indulgent), descend to NoMad’s sexy subterranean bar, Common Decency – so named in a nod to Oscar Wilde, who was tried for ‘an affront to common decency’ at Bow Street Magistrates’ Court in 1895. Highlights from the eclectic menu include Green Muse, a heady blend of Pernod absinthe, lime, Lillet Blanc, pickled cucumber and dill; and the sophisticated Céline Dijon, with Michter’s bourbon, Lustau Amontillado sherry, mushroom broth, Dijon, honey and coffee Angostura.
