Hithe + Seek

Truthfully, wine bar and restaurant Hithe + Seek is in a bit of a funny spot. While the website marks its location as 60 Upper Thames Street, it’s more specifically based in The Westin Hotel, down a quiet street and on the edge of an underpass in a dark corner of Bank. Without this information, Hithe + Seek can be quite difficult to find, especially as this Mariott branch feels more business than leisure.

When upstairs, however, you can see the method behind the madness thanks to the floor-to-ceiling views looking out over the Thames, bang, smack opposite Shakespeare’s Globe. Come nightfall, sleek, jewel-toned interiors are enhanced by shimmering lights on the water and it all feels very sophisticated.

Hithe + Seek’s passion lies in wine. The wine menu is extensive but cleverly split into two sections: Hithe represents comfort and familiarity, while Seek will challenge those willing to discover something new. This ideology is complemented by the bar’s focus on wine tasting courses and masterclasses, making it more of a destination than somewhere to wander into. With this in mind, we let our server lead the way when it came to libations. A wonderfully personal service, we would recommend either asking for a pairing for the foods you are choosing, or picking the wine pairing menu as a whole.

Fresh and full of flavour, the choice of food is considered and cosmopolitan. Set on small plates, the dishes make for a sophisticated accompaniment to the wine menu and will actually fill you up. You can expect interesting combinations such as venison tartare and pickled mushrooms with smoked egg yolk, topped with ale crisp, or chickpea panisse with grilled aubergine, courgette and apricot harissa.

For us, it had to be the sweet, sticky braised Mangalitza pork belly Bao Bun which oozes out of its doughy captive at a touch, and melts in your mouth. If you love pork belly, it’s an obvious choice that won’t let you down. Then, there’s the grilled Galatian octopus with forbidden rice and saffron aioli: not the biggest portion, but satisfyingly thick and well crisped at the edges for a delicious taste and texture.

All in all, this is a suave spot for those who know a thing or two about wine and are not looking for a budget-conscious experience. When we visited, the atmosphere was a little quiet with mainly guests of the hotel dining, but a DJ has started on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and will bring a different feel to the space.

The interior is luxurious and modern, with spacious seating areas, tables and sofas. There is also a large window enjoying views of The Thames and the city, along with feature lighting and a bar area. 

If you’re visiting Hithe and Seek for drinks and nibbles, perhaps you’ll go for a plate of duck rillette terrine served with blackberries and brioche, accompanied by a glass of Alois Lageder, Pinot Noir. Or maybe you'll go for the sardines on toast served with a glass of English Litmus Orange, Bacchus. Other dishes on the menu include Lamb Kofta served with a Couly Dutheil from Loire, France, and a grilled octopus dish served with a glass of Tsantali, ‘Klima Klima’. 

Meat free dishes include spiced heritage carrots served with a chickpea puree, and a red chicory pear salad served with stilton and confit pecans. 

You can also opt for bread served with whipped and salted tomato butter, olive oil and house fermented vinegar. Perhaps you’ll go for the homemade Parker House rolls served with truffled wild mushroom, or chicken liver. There is also the option to choose a selection of crackers, chutneys, olives and pickles, all of which work well with the wine and cocktail menu. 

If you’re looking for something sweet perhaps you’ll go for the chocolate cremeux served with hazelnut ice cream, or themullte wine poached pear served with cinnamon crumble. Other unique desserts include fig and salted caramel Eton mess and a panna cotta served with blackberries and candied orange. 

Hithe and Seek is conveniently located close to many local attractions, overlooking The Embankment, you are a short walk from Cannon Street Station and Mansion House underground stop.