London Style Hotspot: Rabot 1745, 2 - 4 Bedale Street, SE1
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The look: A West Indian plantation house in the heart of Borough Market. The interior unites the raw agriculture of the cacao plantation with the urbane elegance of the estate house.
The ground floor café comprises corrugated iron, polished concrete floors and steel walls. Elegant seating covered with sumptuous, exotic fabrics adds to the vibe.
Upstairs, the dining room features a reclaimed wooden staircase, high-backed brown leather banquettes, concrete flooring with faded Kilim rugs and rich orange fabric draped over columns.
Who's behind it? Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris, the founders of Hotel Chocolat, who were on a mission to bring a slice of their 250-year-old Rabot Estate cacao plantation to London.
What should I try? Designed by Chef Jon Bentham, the menu offers light and contemporary dishes influenced by the West Indies and Britain, underpinned with the subtle notes of cacao. The summer tomato salad and couscous salad make for light starters, try the creole monkfish or tomato, chilli and cacao tortellini for main and save space for dessert. The chocolate lava or film award finish (created for the BAFTAs 2014) are musts for chocolate lovers. Plus, don't leave without sipping on the incredible Praline Soother cocktail.
How do I book? Call 0800 408 4770 or visit rabot1745.com
Nearest tube: London Bridge
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