Restaurant: Karpo
Where? 23-27 Euston Rd, London NW1 2SD; 020 7843 2221
What? The redevelopment of London's King's Cross has smartened the area up considerably, with no end of upmarket restaurants, hotels and chi chi bars popping up. This little gem - the restaurant of the Megaro Hotel - takes some seeking out, being unglamorously sandwiched between the Burger King and Barclay's bank on Euston Road. But both Karpo, and the Megaro cocktail bar are worth keeping your eyes peeled for. Swathed in velvet curtains, and with an unusual enticing menu (that extends beyond the usual cocktail suspects) the Megaro has an illicit speakeasy feel. Upstairs, Karpo restaurant is a modern brasserie that in look mixes the rural with the industrial: chain link fencing combats with green creepers for your attention.
We drank: Cocktails from Megaro's 4-act menu, with the gin and home-made plum blossom infused Chinese Courage being our top pick. The Monroe three five one (vodka, sherry and champagne) is worth ordering even if it's purely for the Marilyn-associated glam-factor, and for something sweet, try The Lost Steps (tequila, cardamom sweet tea and chartreuse elixir).
We ate: For starters, we had the stuffed courgette flower (which disappeared the moment it was served), and the pea, broad bean, ricotta and mint sourdough. Both were tasty, but the latter was particularly yummy, and would make a great accompaniment to drinks if you'd rather hole up in the Megaro bar for the evening rather than go for a full dinner. For main courses, the herb crust fillet of cod was light, creamy and full of flavour, and the Lake District sourced fillet steak was cooked perfectly.
Don't miss: at least one cocktail - even if you're more of a wine drinker.
Perfect plus one: a partner in crime, that will encourage you to order 'just one more drink...'
