Cantina Malibu At The Ned London Is The Only Place You Need To Be Dining In London On A Saturday Night
If you’re in Bank on a weekend night then it’s The Ned that has brought you, from the live music and the California-Mexican healthy menu make dining all the more enriching…
The Ned is a city within a city, from Soho House yet more elevated and vast. Once you enter the hotel from Poultry or Prince’s Streets, it’s bustling inside. Set in the former Midland Bank headquarters it’s vast and old world corporate, yet The Ned has found a way to modernized it while creating community.
On a Saturday night this month, we dined at on all things Mexican at Cantina Malibu. The California healthy inspired menu is known as Malibu Kitchen by day. When we crossed the threshold from Poultry Street the first thing we noticed was the live music taking place in the center of the vast lobby. Perched on the circular desk where former bank tellers worked is the live music stage. As Top 40 hits were being sung, the kinesthetic energy of people chatting and dining was most poignant.
Taking our seats at Cantina Malibu we were met with the drink’s menu. March is margarita month and £8 ($11) until 8pm every day. The Lavender and Honey margarita with Patrón reposado, lavender, honey, supasawa, and kumquat isn’t overwhelming, and hits just right. Other flavors like Celery and Cucumber and Picante de la Casa certainly pique one’s taste bud interests.
The Sea Bass Ceviche | Photo Credit: Seele
The Chicken Tinga Quesadillas | Photo Credit: Seele
To start, the Sea Bass Ceviche with datterini tomatoes, jalapeños, and plantain chips are a light by savory option. We also had the Chicken Tinga Quesadillas which could almost be a meal in and of themselves. And, the Toastada de Atun of tuna, avocado, and mango over a fried tortilla is the perfect answer to a tuna tartare, but with a California twist.
When ordering a few starters, it’s easier to also share a main. The Brochetas de Pollo is what was recommended and is what we opted for. The chicken skewer with spicy green sauce was is seasoned just right and pairs perfectly with a side of corn. Ah, the corn isn’t just any corn. Shaved off the cob, it sits on top of a white cream and is covered with parmesan cheese. You have to order it to believe it.
For dessert you can’t go wrong with the Mango Mousse that comes with dark chocolate ganache and mango salsa. Or, the Churros with dulce de leche and chocolate sauce is also palette sparking.
It’s great date night option, or perfect for catching up with a good friend. The atmosphere is young, fun, and lively and you’ll want to be part of it.
Malibu Kitchen is open Tuesday -Friday 7am-3pm, Saturday from 9am-3pm. Sunday and Monday it is closed. Cantina Malibu offers dinner service from 5pm-10:30pm.
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