The Nine

Modern, sleek eatery, The Nine, gives a nod to British gastro pubs with its take on classic dishes that harness elevated flavours. Boasting a feline twist in its moniker, The Nine has a vibrant setting in the Sofitel that takes inspiration from The Obelisk's Egyptian design influence. Not only is there cat engravings on the walls but the restaurant also has three inverted triangles hanging from the ceiling to represent the three pyramids of Giza. 

Even though you are deeply immersed in ancient Egyptian heritage as you walk through the doors, the food and drink offerings remain decidedly British. Each cocktail on the menu is labelled after one of a cat's nine lives with playful names such as paws in the air or meowgarita. Each of these create the perfect pairing to one of the bar snacks that showcase traditional pub classics; pigs in blankets are served with a sweet honey mustard dipping sauce and a punchy homemade piccalilli joins a traditional scotch egg. It wouldn't be a British pub without a classic Sunday roast and The Nine doesn't mess around with four different meats available and all the trimmings. 

A normal a la carte feast at The Nine will truly give you the best taste of British cuisine thanks to its versions of so many traditional dishes. The starters tackle ham, egg and chips and transform it into a crispy, potato wrapped free range egg, with smoked ham, bacon jam and a homemade ketchup. While fish and chips and pies aren't messed with, bangers and mash features a cumberland sausage wheel served alongside creamy, buttery mash potato, a sweet red onion jam and a generous pouring of gravy. Finish things off with The Nine's take on sticky toffee pudding; chocolate flavoured and sticky with london ale, the question is: is it better than the classic?