Walking into this Grade II listed building, before you’ve even seen the restaurant, you know you’re in for a culinary experience. From the concierge to the waiting staff, everyone at CORD wants to make your visit a memorable one. Entering the restaurant you are greeted by crisp white tablecloths, velvet sea blue chairs, and an abundance of gold accents in the décor, awash with white. There is someone always there to pull your chair out, refold your napkin and explain not only the menu, but the ethos behind the cooking. It is clear, that in every detail there is care, and that care is in every detail of this LeCordon Bleu dining experience.

The waiter, chef and sommelier work seamlessly together to create a delicate dance of flavours, all meticulously thought through to accentuate the already delicious and carefully sourced ingredients. Before our starters arrived, we were served a palette-cleansing Black Truffle Cappuccino, which was not at all caffeinated but in every way refined and moreish.

The Dry Aged Steak Tartare has to be the best I’ve ever tasted. Not only because of the Cumbrian meat, but the textures created something beyond a normal Tartare. Served to be eaten like a pate, with a crisp snap of thin toasted bread, the mustard packed a punch that perfectly complimented the serene beef with mushroom broth. The Cognac wasn’t overwhelming, giving the perfect pair to the sorrel.

Then the Main – Black Truffle Chicken Supreme was a stand out dish; served on a busy looking plate of carrots, broccoli, foie gras. The small flowers adorning the plate almost made you feel bad for eating this work of art! The black garlic, star anise and carefully selected and cooked chicken gave a new and interesting twist to the French classic.

Talking of traditional, we opted for the classic dessert Black Forest, which was a world away from the desert we were expecting but provided again a modern twist on an 80s classic. The candied tangerine and Amarena cherries paired perfectly with the caramel sorbet and finished off this experience with the sweet treat we craved.

I was especially delighted by the Sommelier who visited us between each course, offering advice and suggestions for the perfect wine pairing for our upcoming choices.

Beautifully presented, immaculately served, and expectantly delicious, CORD really does live up to its LeCorden Bleu namesake, this restaurant is one for the refined palette, and for those with a taste for the nicer things in life, or looking to treat a special date, you couldn’t go wrong by booking a table here.

Address: 85 Fleet St, London, EC4Y 1AE

Website: www.cordrestaurant.co.uk

Written by Polly Robin