By Majella Taylor, New Openings Editor: A stellar experience at stars @sohoplace
It’s been a while since I’ve visited Tottenham Court Road, so I was a little apprehensive about what to expect. I had this misconception that stars @sohoplace would be central soho, down the back streets, nothing prepared me for the impressive welcome I received at the top of the Tottenham Court Road tube station escalator.
Built on the site of the previous London Astoria, @sohoplace is the first purpose-built West End theatre to be opened in 50 years. It’s stunning! And I hadn’t even entered the building yet. The evening was off to a great start.
The in-house restaurant ‘stars’ is situated on the bottom floor around the corner from their splendid looking bar. It’s hard not to notice their gorgeous Labradorite counter. I was already looking forward to a post-show cocktail.
stars is a cosy, but not cramped restaurant bustling with an attentive team, the walls are adorned with star constellations, enticing and comfortable.
My celestial journey began with smoked salmon wasabi, yoghurt, English burrata, and marinated tomatoes. Two classic flavour combinations accentuated with great produce particularly the miso and smoked oil on the Burrata.
Mains consisted of a delicately flavoured yet earthy pumpkin ravioli and perfectly cooked grilled bass fillet, pea purée and garlic glazed pink fir potatoes. I enjoyed the flavours of the well-prepared Sea Bass. Plus, you can’t go wrong with garlic glazed potatoes.
An all-vegan dessert menu enticed me, perfectly paired with a glass of Riesling. Brilliant Basque cheesecake and chocolate mousse with mascarpone and pistachio illuminated my tastebuds.
Then, an espresso martini before I commenced my journey to ancient Greece, to witness the powerful and poignant story of Medea.
The play is set at seat level with the audience, the characters scattered about the seating area, Medea engulfs you with its rage and sadness. You are immersed in a tragedy of betrayal.
It is breathtakingly, heart-breaking, and beautifully acted, my mascara was not where it had started pre-performance.
A truly memorable experience. An unforgettable roller coaster of feelings and emotions. The whole package is right there. On the doorstep of Tottenham Court Road station.
I left the awesome venue feeling replete, elated, stirred, and in awe.
Thank you stars @sohoplace for a truly splendid evening.
