A stunning hotel, but what about the sushi bar? This review of Ichi (where's Scratchy?) at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza Hotel was originally written for my South London Press column.
It was just over one year ago that Park Plaza Westminster Bridge opened its doors to become one of London’s biggest hotels. As well as providing a plush resting spot for tourists, just minutes from the popular sites of the London Eye, BFI, Southbank and Big Ben across the river, it bestowed Waterloo with several new dining destinations. The most hyped of these was Brasserie Joël, the latest opening from renowned French chef Joël Robuchon. There’s been much said about this opening, and many reviews. Most praise the restaurant but question the setting. Whilst I couldn’t comment since I haven’t been to Brasserie Joël, much the same sentiment applies to Ichi Sushi & Sashimi Bar.
Here's a restaurant review originally written for www.londonist.com. Follow Londonist on Twitter to keep up with their daily posts on all things London.
Being somewhat dubious of restaurants set in hotels, and also those that are positioned in too tourist-friendly locations, new Japanese restaurant Watatsumi set in the Club Quarters Hotel on Northumberland Avenue right at Trafalgar Square rang alarm bells.
Stepping inside, this ringing is replaced with the gentle tinkle of clinking china fish from their trendy lamp, and the bustle of the Nelson-bound camera-wielding is surpassed by an utterly Japanese sense of calm. Large marble pillars and floor give a church-esque feeling of grandeur that marries well with the incredibly attentive service, but does require some filling out in order to lose the echo and become more atmospheric.
