Eating Our Fill – J Sheekey: London 2024, Part 4

A little while back we talked about our aborted attempt to see Ian McKellen in “Player Kings”. When those plans fell through, we decided we’d make the most of it so we still wandered through the streets of London, washing ashore in the famous theatrical district in the West End. After all, our planned tickets might have been kiboshed but our dinner reservation was still valid and we’d been keen for that as well. So, we pitched up on the front step of J. Sheekey and headed in for a relatively leisurely meal; after all, no show to scurry off to after!

The decor of the restaurant is pretty typical (and pretty great!) for a restaurant smack dab in the middle of a theater district – photos spanning decades depicting the stars of the stage enjoying drinks and/or a meal on the premises. Some are timeless and instantly recognizable; others are clearly stars that burned brightly for a few years or maybe even just a production or two, but in the moment were worthy of memorializing. And now, you know… us. We started with drinks: a glass of Henriot Brut – Souverain champagne for me, and a (non alcoholic) Hive Mind for J. made of Everleaf Forest*, Chamomile, Agave, Vanilla, Lemon, Tonic Water. We took our time perusing the menu, chatting about the trip so far.

J. chose to start with the Burrata Di Bufala, Datterini Tomatoes, a creamy bubble of deliciousness with just the right amount of cracked pepper, bright olive oil, and just a hint of sea salt. Here’s a little tip – if there’s burrata on the menu, moving him off of it will be a task that makes you ask yourself if it’s even worth it – just let the man enjoy his creamy cheese for pete’s sake.

While I was tempted by the Heritage Beetroot Salad, I ended up choosing the Prawn Tempura. Six sticks of prawn in one of the best, crispy, tempura batters I’ve ever had. The prawns were sweetly tender, setting us up with high expectations for the seafood meal to come. (Speaking of convincing J. to move off of the burrata, after he tasted one of these he grudgingly conceded that I had “won” the first course!)

My main was the Fillet of Sea Bass, accompanied by steamed razor clam and a lemon and sea purlane sauce. Presented beautifully, the razor clams were nonetheless boring, but the sea bass was exquisite, its delicate flavor was balanced perfectly by the sauce. J. had the Monkfish & Tiger Prawn Tikka Masala which was rich and just a little bit spicy, just where we like it. (I bet you could ask for it to be as spicy as you desire.) Again, the monkfish and prawns were sweetly tender and not at all overwhelmed by the sauce. Impressive. I drank a delicious Florão (Quinta da Fonte Souto) from Portugal and enjoyed every drop.

Also worth mentioning is that J Sheekey now offers a set lunch menu. Starting at £33 for two courses (£39 for three), one can enjoy dishes like Buttermilk Fried Monkfish & Prawns, Roasted Fillet of Cod, and Miso Aubergine with Crispy Tofu. Based on our dinner, it would be a very tasty bargain and I’d be shocked if we don’t book it early the next time we make our way to London.

This was a superb meal in every way; highly recommended on every front! After dinner, we wandered a street whose name escapes us but could easily have been called “desserts of the world avenue”. Seriously, there was even a nata cafe. The variety didn’t really matter though; I’d spotted a great-looking gelateria and surprised J. with what has to be one his global favorites – a well-made scoop (or three ~ J) of Stracciatella. Thus sated, we indulged in a cab ride home. Considering the disappointment of the lost play it is the best praise possible that J. Sheekey turned it into a lovely evening out.