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Arbutus, London

Frith Street plays host to many eateries - from the institutional Bar Italia and Alastair Little to many other modest establishments. Arbutus is one of the more recent successes on this strip. It's decor is contemporary and clean, with only a handful of tables arranged cleverly within this challenging site.
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It's recently earned Michelin star is well deserved. The menu is adventurous - offering lamb neck, pork belly, smoked eel with beetroot, and a "squid and mackerel burger" (see below). The dishes that we have sampled were all carefully presented and delicious. Even the pudding menu demonstrated much innovation - hot and cold blood oranges was very pleasing dessert to cleanse the palate.
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What was enjoyable: an exciting array of dishes that were delicious without being boring.
What was not enjoyable: No bread plate (OK it's a small restaurant) and not a well amalgamated team - the French waiters were enthusiastic, professional and fun, but the English speaking ones didn't seem to know how to smile.



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