Saturday, June 29, 2013

Baker Street Restaurant Revival

By Benedict Freeman


Whenever anyone mentions Baker Street in London, I automatically think of Sherlock Holmes - the infamous fictional detective who never seems to grow old Baker Street was originally residential and designed for the more elite, upper classes. However, nowadays it has become somewhat commercialised and is bursting to the brim with contemporary designer shops as well as sought-after eateries and wine bars.

I guess, more than anything, it was the whole Sherlock phenomenon that kick-started the change in Baker Street - and he wasn't its only notable resident. For example, I bet you didn't know that the first permanent exhibition of Madame Tussauds Waxworks resided at Baker Street? And what of The Beetles' Apple Boutique, the Prime Minister William Pitt and the much loved British singer, Dusty Springfield they all lived there too.

Furthermore, Sherlock Holmes was not the only character to reside at Baker Street; we also have Basil the Great Mouse Detective, Danger Mouse and Sexton Blake. In popular culture, the 2008 film 'The Bank Job' was based on the 1971 robbery of Lloyds Bank in Baker Street. And last, but by no means least, both The Rolling Stones and Madness make reference to the street in their songs "Some Girls" and "We Are London" respectively.

One of the most exciting emergences from Baker Street as of late is the number of fine dining restaurants / excellent eateries. For me, my absolute favourite has to be Base. The Base Bistro and Bar serves outstanding French cuisine, with a modern British twist. For something a little spicier, I would also recommend Indali Lounge. Indali provides a range of wholesome dishes that are cooked healthily - not something you can always be rest assured of when tucking in to a good old curry.

I can't possibly talk about restaurants on Baker Street without mentioning the much loved Italian-joint, Lulivo. The relatively new and modest eatery is a welcome to the street, as so are the delectable house wines on offer; crisp and cumbersome, they are the perfect accompaniment to a range of gorgeous Italian recipes. You could also try the Sherlock Grill at the Park Plaza hotel. Aptly named, the intimate restaurant serves exquisite modern European cuisine, cooked mainly on a charcoal grill and mesquite wood burning oven situated right in the centre of the open plan dining room. Renowned for its relaxed style and Mediterranean-influenced signature dishes that use fresh organic ingredients, this is a must try when visiting the famous Baker Street.

One of the main appeals with Baker Street is its central location that's within walking distance from Oxford Street, Marylebone, Regents Park and Mayfair. Furthermore, Sherlock Holmes is not the only intrigue in the area. In fact, there are many other buildings and streets that are of equal economic and historic importance. Whilst in the area, why not also try a visit to one of the best International private members' clubs of all time, Home House. Built in the eighteenth century, Home House comprises of three grand Georgian town houses, each with their own individual character and style.




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