Stars is Soho’s newest restaurant and bar on the ground floor of the shiny new Soho Place Theatre. The first new theatre in the West End in 50 years, this is one place I’ve been excited to hear about and it certainly hasn’t disappointed. Outside its modern and glass-fronted, sparkling and reflecting the London evening lights. Inside, it’s modern and absolutely beautiful – with no expense spared (I’ve been told). The restaurant’s main feature and one which really makes me love this room so much, is the specially commissioned constellation artwork which moves and twinkles throughout, depicting constellation star signs and colorful galaxies and nebulas.
Currently open for dinner from 5.00pm until 11.00pm, Tuesday to Saturday, with lunch and weekend brunch to follow in the coming weeks. Stars serves a contemporary international menu focusing on quality British and European produce which Head Chef Constantin Apostu has put together. To kick off our meal we tucked into a refreshing glass of something bubbly and soaked up the infectious atmosphere. The acoustics here are great for such a bustling little place which I loved – meaning we could talk the night away without having to shout or listen to our table next door.
To pair with those bubbles, one of my favourite dishes from the meal – English burrata & figs. The burrata was as messy and oozy as I hoped for and the figs were soft and sweet. Better still, the dish was drizzled in miso & smoked oil which gave it all a lovely bit of extra depth and flavour.
My main was the pork belly with tenderstem broccoli, apple, mint and jus. The pork belly, served as three chunky slabs of meat – each well-cooked, smokey, succulent, and just what I wanted from them. Although, perhaps a little bit of crunchy fat wouldn’t have gone a miss. Helped along with some good dollops of apple sauce, if you’re visiting Stars then I highly recommend ordering. The only dish I wasn’t the biggest fan of here was the side of glazed pink fir potatoes. For me, they were just a bit too mushy and stodgy, whereas I was expecting them to be a little more firm and less saucy in texture.
My dining companion tucked into the chicken schnitzel and whilst I always sample everything on the table (for research purposes of course), said companion didn’t even allow me a forkful – meaning it must have been good. Served with slaw and cayenne mayo, it’s a great dish that everyone loves and will be sure to be a hit with fellow diners.
The most brilliant thing here is Stars aptly named – “brilliant Basque cheesecake”. Be prepared, this is thick, dense and oh-so rich – but it’s one of the most amazing cheesecakes you’re likely to eat all year. It’s so smooth and creamy, packed with flavors and the perfect way to end a meal. I’d imagine it would pair perfectly with a good espresso martini.
If cheesecake isn’t your thing, the chocolate mousse with raspberry and caramel likely will be. It’s decadent and full of chocolate goodness – but also light and so perfect for those who want something a little less heavy before heading into the theatre or off into the night.
I think you can probably tell, but just in case not – we had a fabulous evening dining at Stars in Soho Place Theatre and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone coming here to watch a show or indeed for anyone in the area looking to simply enjoy a meal or some carefully crafted cocktails. The food is fantastic, the service is immaculate and other London theatres with restaurants or bars can learn a lot from this place. Next time I visit I’ll be sure my meal finishes with an evening in the theatre upstairs, with each floor being home to its own bar, plus there’s a secret rooftop on the top floor for private events that I made a sneaky visit to – so watch this space. Would we come back? Of course.
