January can be a bit of a downer, right? With the icy chill, post-holiday bloating, and those daunting credit card bills, it’s no wonder we needed a pick-me-up. That’s exactly what we got when we visited Allegra restaurant and bar. Located on the 7th floor of The Stratford, the stylish hotel in—you guessed it—Stratford, Allegra’s top-notch food, stellar service, and inviting atmosphere chased away all our winter blues.
Allegra stands out with its impressive culinary credentials. Patrick Powell, formerly of Chiltern Firehouse, and his team whip up dishes that are nothing short of art. The dining room, designed by Space Copenhagen (the same team behind Noma, a four-time World’s Best Restaurant), combines modern Scandinavian design with understated luxury. Think rich woods, soft grey upholstery, and modern lighting that gives the space a warm, welcoming glow. Add a touch of metal and lush greenery, and you’ve got a chic, comfortable setting. They also offer a semi-private indoor space for 12, an outdoor terrace, and access to a stunning rooftop with panoramic London views.
The food? Absolutely exceptional. Their seasonal menu blends classic European techniques with modern flair. The house-made sourdough, baked fresh twice daily, was hands down the best we’ve ever had, paired perfectly with lightly salted butter and a zesty green sauce. The pre-starter of pistachio choux with rich liver parfait was a delightful surprise. Next, we enjoyed crispy confit chicken wings with savory parmesan dumplings, wild mushrooms, and sorrel. The smoked eel pithivier—a charming little pie with smoky, creamy layers—was elevated by a tangy chili vinegar and a vibrant parsley and garlic sauce. The service was equally impressive: our sommelier picked out a fantastic low-sulphite Lebanese red, and our waiter was engaging, charismatic, and genuinely fun to be around.
When it came to the main courses, Allegra delivered spectacularly. The aged Gloucester Old Spot pork was tender and juicy, complemented by delicious barbecued carrots. The wild venison loin, perfectly cooked, was served with roasted celeriac, pickled blackberries, and trompettes. And let’s not forget the braised shoulder cottage pie—possibly the best thing we’ve ever tasted. To wrap up, the tart rhubarb and custard vacherin was a light, sweet ending to a phenomenal meal.
Allegra truly exceeded our expectations. If we were handing out star ratings, they’d get a perfect score. We’ll definitely be recommending this venue for private dining, corporate lunches, large group events, and full venue hires where quality is key. Planning a special event? Let us share more about Allegra and other top-notch venues we recommend. For more inspiration, check out the Flavour Venues & Events website.