As you emerge from Old Street station, a towering cylindrical building sits adjacent to it. It's home to Art’otel Hoxton, a modern four-star hotel that hosts galleries, live music, and, 25 floors up, Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson’s first London restaurant and rooftop bar, Solaya.
Had it been a sun-drenched day, Atkinson’s French Mediterranean-inspired menu would’ve been mirrored in apricot skies beaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. Instead, I was met with the grey reality of British weather - but I was still eager to see what Atkinson was bringing to the sky-high table, miles away from his Newcastle-based restaurants, Solstice and the one-starred House of Tides.
The interiors were very modern and minimalist at Solaya.
DesignMyNight's Review Of Solaya In Shoreditch
Need To Know:
- Address: 25th Floor, 1-3 Rivington Street, EC2A 3DT
- Area: Shoreditch
- Cuisine: French Mediterranean
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: as I stepped out of the lift, I was instantly met with a glossy black grand piano next to an illuminated crescent moon sculpture set against the backdrop of the city skyline. The space was a 360-degree wraparound dining room with an open kitchen at its core, divided into sections for various workstations. There was a sleek, members' club feel to it, and jet black marble tables were meticulously laid, awaiting diners
- Perfect for: a client meeting, special occasion, or a date night with jaw-dropping views
Service & Price
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: £149 for two, excluding a wine pairing with our mains, and service charge
My spicy margarita and the Fruits Des Bois Caipirinha (pictured right), and the moon sculpture upon entrance (left).
Menu Highlights
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Solaya focaccia (£7) - I was transported to carb heaven with this homemade bread. Baked to perfection, it was like a hybrid of a steaming hot baguette and a traditional focaccia - crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside. I slathered the dough in mild extra virgin olive oil and tart aged balsamic and inhaled my half while my friend did the same with hers
- Cheese croquettes (£10) - I loved how filled to the brim these crunchy spherical bites were. The creamy, nutty filling paired well with a dollop of saffron aioli atop each of the balls. There was a sharp kick from some shaved Pecorino Romano, and a very delicate cornichon added a welcome zing
- Grilled Cornish cod (£28) - a modest portion, yet filling and flaky, was enjoyed. The star of the show was the super smoky and paprika-led romesco and almond gremolata, which was almost candy-like
- Pomme frites (£6) - the chips here were a highlight, as they were served piping hot and generously doused in rosemary salt. Addictive and herby, these were perfect golden strips of potato joy
- Dark chocolate pavé (£10) - this was a
chocolate lover's heaven, and very decadent. Topped with toffee
popcorn and chocolate crackling, the caramel gave it a much-needed
brightness, and the crackling was very
playful
The focaccia (pictured left) and the cheese croquettes (right).
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Spicy margarita (£18) - I like my spicy margaritas hot, and felt this one lacked the heat I craved; however, it was delicious all the same. I was on the fence about the smoked paprika around the rim and felt that maybe some chilli salt could’ve worked better. Regardless, it was a cocktail enjoyed
- Fruits Des Bois Caipirinha (non-alcoholic) (£12) - my friend sipped what tasted like a holiday in a glass. It featured Everleaf Mountain, forest wild berries, agave, and lime, and was superbly fruity
The cod (pictured left) and the chocolate pavé for dessert (right).
My Overall Experience At Solaya
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Solaya delivered sunshine on a plate, even when there was none to be seen in the skies. It was a smooth operation from start to finish, with attentive staff and a fun peek into the kitchens as you followed the restaurant round. I love how transported I felt by the dishes and atmosphere, and how the energy shifted to a much more jovial and glamorous pace as Saturday night fell. For a casual dining affair from a Michelin-starred chef, I thought this was a glorious and accessible experience that offered a glance into Atkinson’s inspiration and technique.
