Table for One at Andrew Edmunds in Soho

After the perfect day of doing London things in London, I took myself out on a romantic dinner date to Andrew Edmunds in Soho. I read up on the place while sipping a not-so-frosty pre-dinner pint at the Duke of Argyll pub. (Do Brits like their beer room temp, or is it just me?)

The restaurant is regularly referred to as “one of the last bastions of “old Soho” and is set in an 18th century townhouse with something called the Academy Club on its second floor. It was established in 1985 by local art collector and restaurateur Andrew Edmunds, who owned an antique print business next door. Over the decades, this intimate, candlelit space has become known as one of the most romantic spots in town and is today frequented by foodies on first dates, wine industry professionals and London’s literati. I also learned that the restaurant’s beloved founder Andrew Edmunds had actually passed away unexpectedly just a week before my dinner there. I was sorry to hear it. From the obituaries it seemed like he was a really dedicated guy and I’m sure he’d be happy to know how smoothly his business has continued to run in his absence.

Upon arrival I was treated kindly and taken to my table near the kitchen in the back. On the way there I passed one large chalk-board listing the wine deals of the evening and another with just their by-the-glass sherry selection: a Fino, a Manzanilla, a Dry Amontillado, a Palo Cortado, an Oleroso from 1842 and a Pedro Ximenez. I quickly understood that I was in the right place. I took my seat and ordered a glass of toasty, yeasty, salty Valdespino Fino “Inocente” with smoked almonds, which were just the tits. By far one of my favorite pairings, I could have this every day.

Something tells me Andrew Edmunds nails dessert every time, and their stout cake with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream looked especially good. But I wasn’t really in the mood for anything too sweet, so I settled for Vintage Port instead. The choice was not difficult. They had Graham’s 1997 Vintage Port by the glass. Almost black-purple in the glass, this wine revealed super dense, ripe and concentrated aromas of plum jam, blackberry jam and black cherries on the nose, along with wet potting soil and dried violet petals. It was luscious and perfectly thicc on the palate without being overwhelmingly sweet. The perfect ending.

Andrew Edmunds is high on my list for London spots to return to in good company. Great service (despite the unfortunate circumstances), delicious food and a wine list of dreams… I hope this place stays around for decades to come.