1 Dysart Street
London
EC2A 2BX

Tel: 44 (0)808 1801 858

In the heart of London's City district, a new privately-owned member's club called Eight Moorgate has recently launched after the success of their first branch, Eight Bank.

Just off of quiet Dysart Street and amid a large patch of faux grass, an attendant is standing by a singular steel elevator that began my journey to so much more than just a fine dining experience. After a five-story commute, I was greeted by reception. From this moment it became very clear that the staff at Eight is incredibly attentive and kind to members and guests.

Coats were checked and we were whisked upstairs to an impressive bar, boosting of countless varieties of wines and spirits. Within this rooftop level bar, members have option to sit inside on luxurious sofas for colder nights; or the opportunity to experience the fantastic views of London's financial district outdoors on a lovely terrace lined with planters and potted trees. After beginning the evening with a glass of delicious Tattinger champagne, while absorbing the contrasting view of the city lights and the night sky, it was off to the dining room for me and my guest.

In order to get the fullest possible sense of what dishes are like at Eight Moorgate, my guest and I both order different starters and main courses from head chef Richard Lyndon's menu.

The meal began with a selection of breads brought forth by one of Eight Moorgate's many attentive servers. I sampled a piece of bread baked with Mushroom and Rosemary, and new from that moment that what was yet to come was more than likely going to be a culinary heaven of sorts. While the international menu has a variety of starters including everything from foie gras terrine with chamomile jelly, toasted brioche & pea shoots' to a 'roast beetroot, globe artichoke with pomegranate dressing & orange salad. I opted to try the potted Dorset crab, pickled cucumber & Melba toast, as well as the warm stilton tart with pear chutney. Both dishes were exquisitely presented, but more importantly, were an absolute tasty delight.

The impressively diverse menu carries on throughout the main courses, offering dishes like seared fillet of salmon on crushed new potatoes, lime aioli, basil vinaigrette & prawn and more comforting dishes of beer battered cod with chips & tartar sauce. I was able to sample both the char grilled 10 oz Scottish rib eye steak with bearnaise sauce & hand cut chips, as well as the roast rack of Cornish lamb with caponata & red wine jus with a side of sautéed spinach. The meals were both of great size and great taste, leaving my guest and I practically mouth-watered and speechless. For the immense quality of the food, main course prices ranging from £14-£22 are quite reasonable.

Finally, culinary treats ended in dessert, in which I sampled the chocolate torte with salted caramel ice cream and a selection of four European cheeses; the perfect ending to lovely and hearty meal.

There is an annual membership fee attached to Eight, the clientele are generally city types and members have access to a variety of facilities including a library, a tailor, a cigar longue, and the utmost service from the highest-caliber of staff. Additionally, with membership to Eight, access is not limited to simply the Moorgate branch, but also the Bank branch. Additionally, prospective members are able to visit prior to making any annual commitments.

Perhaps the only downside to the bar was that it did seem quite quiet, but that is a bonus if entertaining a business client. Eight Moorgate is a fine establishment no less, with an elegant and modern atmosphere that will certainly impress members and clients alike.

www.eightclub.co.uk

Written by Valerie Haberman