108 Brasserie & Bar

108 Brasserie & Bar is a charming restaurant bar situated on the corner of Welbeck and Bulstrode Street in Marylebone, inside The Doyle Collection’s rather magnificent hotel, The Marylebone. With alluring decor that draws inspiration from the seasons, it has instant appeal for social gatherings and date nights. A smart parquet floor stretches out before us, into a regal room of cool blues, maroon leather, potted palms and gently draped tablecloths. Traditional but still chic, 108 Brasserie & Bar has a good spot for every occasion, including a tranquil outdoor terrace.

The menu at 108 Brasserie & Bar sways towards accessible modern European cooking, with plenty of familiar, likeable dishes to set expectations high. Whilst the welcome was friendly, the wait time between orders was sometimes lengthy.

Much of the food at 108 Brasserie & Bar matches the stylish vibe of the interiors. Exquisite Jersey Rock oysters with shallot mignonette, tabasco and lemon were a perfect way to start - nicely presented and excellent quality. We found the crispy tiger prawns with spicy cocktail sauce enjoyable too - the batter was light and crisp, though £17.50 is a steep price to pay. Another pair of starters - white crab with toasted soda bread, watercress and apple, and beef tartare with quail egg - were solidly executed. 

On the drinks front, bar staff mix up some lovely signature cocktails. Beautiful Touch, for example, takes a gin base and livens things up with pomegranate juice, honey, lime juice and tonic - a gently-effervescent, fruity take on a classic G&T, perfect to enjoy on the terrace. 108 Brasserie & Bar is a beautiful space, ideal for grazing, casual meet-ups and drinks parties, and if you’re looking for private dining in Marylebone, 108 Brasserie has rooms available for groups too.

Tucked away in quaint Marylebone Village and just minutes from Oxford Street, 108 Brasserie & Bar has long been a neighbourhood favourite. 108 Brasserie's chic front awning, terrace tables and red brick walls are a welcome sight on Marylebone Lane, and for those sitting outside, there are plenty of patio heaters to keep the chill away in the winter months.

The inside is plush and elegant, with red leather chairs and banquettes, marble taple tops and lamps adorning the tables. Those coming for a quick drink can grab a comfy stool at the bar and look through 108 Brasserie's extensive drinks menu, which includes a compact wine list from the old and new worlds (including some finer vintages available by the glass via Coravin), and a range of classic and signature cocktails, including unique creations like the Black Sun (bourbon, coffee liqueur, Pedro Ximenez nectar, bitters), and the Marylebone Sour (vodka, brandy, crème de pêche, lime juice, egg white, soda water).

Meanwhile, 108 Brasserie's all-day dining menu covers all bases from lunch to dinner, and the restaurant offers a vegetarian menu also. This is a brasserie at heart, so the menu opens up with oysters by the half dozen, as well as hand-chopped steak tartare, smoked salmon with lemon and Guinness bread, and courgette fritti with citrus mayonnaise. Mains lean towards the comfort food side, with inspiration taken from far and wide - alongside steamed salmon with minted potatoes and hollandaise, there's also blackened miso cod fillet with jasmine rice, a roasted squash masale with pilaf, mint yoghurt and poppadums, and chicken Milanese with capers, rocket and Parmesan. Naturally, there are also steaks available for the grill if you're hoping for a classic steak frites. 

Save room for desserts like a classic baked lemon cheesecake, and a generously-portioned vanilla creme brulee with Irish shortbread.