What's in a name? Well, at 42 Holborn it's a subtle nod to the menu's offering, which spans 42 dishes reflecting the breadth of flavours across the Mediterranean. The restaurant is located in Holborn, housed inside one of the area's most beautiful examples of architect Edwin Lutyens work, Lincoln's Inn House.
This Grade-II listed Edwardian monument was designed over a century ago and boasts stunning period details such as Portland stone, proud columns and soaring ceilings, punctuated by huge, glittering chandeliers. Today, it's made modern by 42 Holborn's characterful interior design which with rich, jewel-toned colours nods to its grand past, while playful twists like neon signage and sprawling peacock wall murals keep things interesting.
The a la carte menu kicks off with a varied selection of small plates that are perfect for sharing amongst the table. In particular, we like the look of the charcoal grilled leeks, alongside beef bresaola with crunchy bread crumble, balsamic and parmesan, as well as garlic king prawns. Add to this selection some mixed olives with lemon zest and sourdough bread with herb butter, and you're set.
Moving into the main dishes and diners are given a choice of meat, fish and plant-based plates. Highlights amongst these sections stand out as the milk fed Welsh lamb cutlets, seabass fillet with Mediterranean salsa, and roasted aubergine with tahini pistachio sauce, fresh herbs, leaves and apple. To complement, there's a whole range of side dishes, too, including creamy spinach, truffle mash and wild mushrooms. And, for afters, the Turkish coffee creme brulee sounds like perfection.
42 Holborn also has a steller drinks selection; we like the sound of the signature cocktails list, each one dreamed up in-house. The Las Canteras Martini, for example, brings together Absolut Vodka, sake, yuxu juice, apple juice and basil, for an attention-grabbing zing.