Classically British – VIVI

VIVI is one of the newest and most exciting restaurants to launch in the heart of London’s West End this year. They serve traditional British cuisine with a modern flair. The restaurant is open all day for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-theatre meals and dinner. So whether you are a local resident, working in the city, or visiting for the day VIVI has a British dish for everyone’s taste evoking memories of yesteryear with an innovative twist.

I was invited on a complimentary basis along with some other members of Love Pop Ups London to enjoy some comforting British delights during this Wintry season.

VIVI

VIVI is designed by the owners of Rhubarb who are the team behind Sky Garden and Verdi Italian Kitchen at the Royal Albert Hall. 

Located within Centre Point VIVI is their flagship restaurant which is open all day and serves British dishes which are deliciously bold, offer seasonal menus showcasing the very best of British dining, and a bustling bar serving all those age-old British classics.

VIVI’s beautiful dining room is open day to night; serving a wide range of breakfast options, light lunches, indulgent afternoon teas, and traditional British dinners.

Bar – a destination cocktail bar serving a sophisticated and imaginative drinks menu to enjoy alongside a concise menu of VIVI bites and light snacks.

Gallery – informal and relaxed area just of the main Dining Room. With long sharing tables perfect for lone diners, time-short guests or large groups. Guests in The Gallery can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner or order dishes from the main Dining Room.

Liquid Lounge – open from 8 am daily, with a menu of healthy smoothies and juices, virtuous porridge’s and breakfast bowls. This area transforms throughout the day into a casual lunchtime spot, afternoon tea destination and cocktail and dining lounge by dusk.

Dining – large dining area where British classics with a twist can be enjoyed.

British comforts

Entering into VIVI and handing my coat into the cloak room upon going up the stairs I noticed the four different zones of the VIVI Bar, VIVI Gallery, VIVI Liquid Lounge and VIVI Dining area with each bringing a different character and appeal to the lively eatery.

Heading towards the dining area I was impressed by how well they had decorated the venue with a 60’s era vibe keeping with the building’s age of when it was built.  The venue burst with colour from gold to pinks, has very 60’s nostalgic feel from its dog-tooth pattern’s, optical art along with it’s handmade, 1960’s style chandelier designed by Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt.  The whole place also had a great relaxing atmosphere about it too with a easy jazz playing in the background.

We were all sat at a large table seating the six of us which was made out of marble keeping with the 60’s theme, comfy large chairs and a lovely table setting of an orchid giving it that extra class.

On opening the menu up it was a very hard choice from such classic British delights that I have not eaten since say the 80’s highlights such as Black Forest gateau and quiche Lorraine.  I was torn if to opt for a very classic prawn cocktail and chicken kiev but eventually I decided and opted for the farmhouse pate, followed by pork chop and for dessert millionaire chocolate bar. 

Unlike back in the 60’s food was hard to get and good quality produce but there was no doubt VIVI used only the best ingredients. However the prices certainly did not represent the 60s era has with inflation it has somewhat risen.  Even though not too expensive it is not a restaurant I would be able to dine out say every week so VIVI is a great option for a special occasion or a romantic date night.  Apart from the slightly pricey all day a la carte menu they do have a set theatre menu which is more affordable starting from £21.50 per head which includes also a glass of Prosecco.

For starters I chose the coarse farmhouse pate with chutney and grilled sourdough (£10.50). However I thought I was going to get a smooth spreadable pate however it was a terrine of pate instead which I am not keen on. It was a decent size portion and did taste good.

For my main I chose Berkshire pork chop with braised hispi cabbage, prunes, Armagnac jus (£20.50). My chops were heavenly as the meat was soft and the outer edge had a lovely slight crunch to it and was coated with a lovely sweet sticky Armagnac jus.  The mash served along with it was creamy and the cabbage was cooked to perfection as it literally melted in my mouth.

For dessert I had the millionaire’s chocolate bar tuile with chocolate sorbet (£8.50). It was a lovely dark chocolate colour and deeply rich in chocolate flavour making this a choccy delight. I certainly recommend if you are a chocolate addict like me.

Others from my group ordered such dishes as cheese souffle, duck a la orange, monk fish, guinea fowl, ratatouille and rum rumba which they all very much enjoyed.  

During our meal we also had some cocktails.

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I opted for a Pink Floyd Rhubarb which consisted of vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, vanilla essence, lime. I loved the look of my cocktail as was pink and very pretty but was slightly sour for my liking but I absolutely loved my non-alcoholic cocktail which was a pomegranate & cranberry fizz which consisted of cranberry juice, pomegranate, lime, sugar & soda water. It was very fruity just what I love.

Here is some photos of some other cocktails ordered by my fellow blogger friends on the night.

Also for those who love to know about the bathrooms for us ladies to powder our nose again it was very 60’s nostalgic.

I especially loved this neon sign.

The service at VIVI was exceptional with attentive, friendly and efficient, waiters and waitresses just what you might expect in such a classy establishment making it a very pleasant night overall.

I can imagine during the day VIVI is probably much livelier and bustling, as they have an all-day Brasserie serving delicious British favourites evoking a sense of nostalgia to all diners from their full English breakfast, light lunches and afternoon teas.

Centre Point at present is also undergoing a huge refurbishment, which will eventually see 82 fancy new apartments and a square boasting a bunch of new shops and restaurants which I am sure will bring plenty more business along to VIVI during all hours. 

Verdict

With it’s nostalgic and relaxed atmosphere I highly recommend to anyone who is looking to eat a traditional British classic as I can’t imagine anywhere more nostalgic than VIVI. 

I do though highly recommend but if you do go along I highly recommend maybe opting for the pre-theatre menu which is very reasonably priced as the all day dining menu is a tad pricey.

However if you are dining out to celebrate a special occasion or for a romantic date night then I highly recommend treating yourself to one of the many British classic’s from their all day a la carte menu.

Book

NOW SADLY CLOSED

Thank you VIVI for a very nostalgic culinary journey. I was given this experience on a complimentary basis but all views are my own honest opinion.

Click below to read the other community members blog. All their views are of their own honest opinions.

VIVI restaurant