28-50 Oxford Circus

Found on the corner of Great Portland Street, 28-50’s Oxford Circus outpost has instant curb appeal with tall glass windows that give a peek into the restaurant's glam interiors. As you enter, high ceilings, marble-top tables and green and pink velvet seating tick off the insta-worthy aesthetics, while the warm and friendly welcome from the team make this glam Soho restaurant also feel super friendly.

The modern European menu is the brainchild of Executive Chef Julien Baris - who trained professionally in European cooking techniques in Bordeaux no less. While you can be guided through the extensive wine menu by the in-house sommelier Jules Bensacq - who offers not only the perfect pairing for your meal but also valuable and impressive knowledge about your chosen wine. Our meal began with the restaurant's recommended champagne - Ayala Blanc de Blanc. A light and easy to drink champagne known for its floral notes and citrus hints - a perfect choice for a summer’s day.

To start we enjoyed the Garden Sharing Platter - presented on a chunky wooden board and filled with the likes of hummus and naan, artichoke tempura, oversized olives and truffle arancini. Tasty, well presented and a sizable choice of starter for two. For mains we opted for the slow roasted lamb shoulder on a bed of white bean stew. Stew might sound like a wintery dish but hear us out - a light broth and the addition of freshly picked spring greens added a lightness that is perfect for the warmer months. The chicken supreme was beautifully seasoned with a crispy skin and was served on a tangy tomato sauce and fresh tenderstem broccoli. Dessert was a Vanilla Crème Brûlée - with a crunchy top that did not disappoint.

28-50 manages to deliver the feeling of an upmarket Soho spot while still feeling relaxed enough that you could head there for after work drinks and sharing plates. Luxe interiors and a crowd pleasing menu makes 28-50 Oxford Circus an accessible spot for diners looking for an elevated but relaxed dining experience.

This ultra-glam restaurant and bar describes itself as a wine workshop and kitchen where the emphasis is just as much on the drinks as it is on the food. Serving an expertly-curated and ever-changing wine list, from familiar varieties to rarer, fine wines, and a food menu inspired by modern European cuisine, 28-50 is an upmarket yet relaxed spot for dinner, a drinks date or special occasion with friends and family.  

The interiors feel polished and up to date, with luxe finishings and plush furniture creating a comfortable yet trendy vibe. A swish black and white bar stands in the centre of the dining room which is offset by shell pink bar stools, while exposed filament lights bulbs hang from the ceiling. Velvet upholstered chairs come in various shades of yellow and green and provide a splotch of colour amidst neutral tones elsewhere: think grey and white marble tabletops, wooden floors and monochrome art on the walls.  

The seasonal menu is headed up by executive chef Julien Baris and includes dishes ranging from grills to sharing platters. Starters include burrata with broad beans, celery, caramelised grapefruit and a basil dressing, and octopus ceviche with red onion, fennel, jalapeños and aguachile, while main courses span a cheeseburger to gnocchi to mussels mariniere. Perfect for grazing over a glass of wine is one of the sharing boards, including a cheese and charcuterie selection and a garden sharing platter (olives, hummus, truffle arancini and artichoke tempura). 

The wine list has been put together by an in-house sommelier team and offers a varied selection of wines by the glass, carafe or bottle. Opt for something off the Collector’s List which features fine, more unusual wines from private collectors that you won’t find anywhere else. Not sure what you’re looking for? Simply ask a member of the team and they’ll be happy to suggest a wine based on your preferences.