* Please note: Catch has now closed.
Catch possesses an invigorating mix of old and new. Baroque framed mirrors, and stained glass windows grace the walls of the restaurant, black chalkboards and large jars of preserved goods continue the olde London theme – this is a hotel restaurant in what was once the infamous House of Bethlem – whilst the new comes in the form of innovation behind the kitchen’s doors.
The focal point is without a doubt the oyster bar; featuring a majestic crustacean display – it dominates the dining room. The menu is a combination of fish dishes and seafood, with a whole section dedicated to the wonderfully fresh, ever changing variety of oysters. Not to exclude the carnivores who visit, there are meat options, however; seasonal, sustainable and fresh seafood dishes are the real reason you dine at Catch.
As you’d expect from a restaurant located within the 5 Star Andaz Liverpool Street, and the middle of The City, Catch is formal but with a surprisingly welcoming ambience. The service is attentive but not intrusive, the menu is explained but you’re not patronised; the restaurant staff are proud and knowledgeable, and they want to share this with you.
The presentation and flavours that Head Chef Martin Scholz and his team create is really quite delightful. We splurge on four courses; oysters as an appetiser (after an amuse-bouche, and a warm assortment of bread, of course), a starter of south Devon dressed crab, main dish of grilled Hastings fleet wild dover sole, and a cheese selection for dessert – which had to be shared, as by now I was beginning to feel a tad full and wanted to leave just enough room to enjoy a cocktail or two in the stylish Champagne Bar next door.
Innovative (scallops and potted pork cheeks were a nice touch) – without ever getting lost in the tightrope walking world of molecular gastronomy. Steeped in Victorian glamour – without ever bordering on ‘theme park’. A relatively unknown gem in the thick of East London’s nightlife – this really is a Catch… sorry.
