Review of Yuu Kitchen, Mayfair & the ICEBAR London

The ICEBAR is now permanently closed.

Head to the discreet and oh so chic Yuu Kitchen at the ICEBAR London in Heddon Street, Mayfair for either date night, drinks with the girls, or erm, a family fun, for an evening like no other!

It’s rare to get ‘a night out’ with the kids in tow but stranger things have happened, right and dining al fresco at the exquisite Yuu Kitchen on a balmy summer’s evening last week followed by fun at the ICEBAR London offered me a night I didn’t think I’d experience with an 6 and 9 year old but it was FABULOUS (not sure if I win Best or Worst Mum of the Year for that ;))!

Seriously though, the kids had the TIME OF THEIR LIVES sampling the Japanese and South Asian cuisine Yuu Kitchen has to offer (you HAVE To TRY the pillowy Taiwanese steamed buns (baos) and my absolute favourite, the sweet and sticky eggplant Yuu is renowned for at their Spitalfields and Kentish Town branches. If all I ate forever more was that moreish medley of wok-fried aubergine with white miso glaze, sweet shallots and sesame oil, I’d be eternally happy. Honestly, words can’t do it justice, you just have to add it to your bucket list and get yourself down to Heddon Street quick.

Newly vegetarian Alexander who is taking after me, gobbled two rounds of crispy tofu in bao (‘veggie burgers’ he called them), and delicate Vietnamese veggie spring rolls accompanied by hot steamed rice with lashings of soy sauce. Carnivore Oliver opted for the soy and buttermilk crispy chicken (without the chilli mayo) and I started with the crunchy grilled cauliflower (barbecue like, cooked in a way I’ve never enjoyed before and loved) with sweetcorn and jalapeno dressing before Peter and I Shared the satisfying, tangy panko jackfruit with red cabbage pickle. Perfect with their light, house Prosecco and Peter enjoyed a fragrant cider.

 

 

Peter only just managed to hold off from eating his crispy rice and salmon with avocado with jalapeno dressing long enough to take the photos (he said it was no easy feat) and declared the dish to be some of the greatest sushi he’d ever eaten, clearly testament to Head Chef Jon de Villa who is previously of Nobu London.

The menu is bursting with dishes inspired by Jon de Villa’s travels across Asia and his Filipino heritage, respectively, and offers a fresh, eclectic and truly excellent feast for both the eyes and the tummy.

Case in point were the peach Bubble teas the boys sampled for the very first time (‘This is so cool, Mummy’ said Oliver), followed by another first with their tour around ICEBAR London, ‘which was just like Lapland‘ they both chimed in unison. With impressive Egyptian style ice statues to marvel, touch and sit on as well as a frozen bar to prop, the latter, we sadly didn’t get time to enjoy a drink in, because the kids wanted a thousand and one photos by or on the sculptures (I’ve spared you 997 of those), seeing their happy faces was worth it-and the late night which saw their usual bedtime move from 9pm to midnight that night. Well, it is the summer holidays after all and it’s not every night you get to sit on a frozen throne right?

I can’t wait to return in late September with the girls as part of the regular Creative Women’s Network dinner and drinks I host for more yummy food, and fun in the ICEBAR. I certainly won’t be missing a drink in the bar, then! I’ll also remember my tights too, and it’s def as cold as it promises to be in bar bit!

Thank you to PR and pal, Charlotte Davey for a super night.

I’m now just waiting for the kids to go back to school where they’ll inform their teachers (if they’re not already reading this) about their night out at ICEBAR in the school holidays!

We were offered a complimentary meal, drinks and experience at Yuu Kitchen and ICEBAR London. As always, my words are honest.