Arch One Bar & Grill

For what’s supposed to be a 24 hour city, the watches of London’s bar & restaurant arch1scene sure do seem to have a few hours missing.  OK, so there are a handful of ‘underground’ clubs and exclusive member’s bars for the privileged few, but the rest of us are resigned to ending our nights prematurely instead of enjoying ourselves until sunrise.  So when we heard about this 24 hour restaurant and bar, we couldn’t resist paying it a visit.

Located literally opposite the busy commuter hub that is Waterloo Station, the biggest surprise is why more people haven’t heard of it.  We visited on a Thursday night and it was reasonably busy, although it was significantly quieter by around 10.30 when we left.  The interior is all exposed brickwork, leather banquette seating and floor to ceiling windows with a most impressive looking bar, whilst the main restaurant is situated on a mezzanine level.  With the lively crowd and banging music from the downstairs bar, the restaurant is more suited to social dining experience, as opposed to a relaxed dinner.

The great value menu is predominantly based around grills, with a massive range of meats and fish on offer; through-the-night and breakfast menus are also available for early risers/late revellers.  We opted for the Scallops with Bacon, and the Pork Belly; both were well cooked and generous in portion.  For mains, my Lamb Shank Tagine was slightly chewy but the complex flavours worked, whilst Dirty Perry enjoyed the Swordfish.     Desserts included a comforting Apple Crumble and a most peculiar Tomato Cheesecake, which Dirty Perry warmed to, although I remained undecided.  There was an overriding feeling that all of the food lacked freshness, but considering the prices and the venue being an all-night bar, it was reasonably fit for purpose.

The drinks options were just as varied and generous as the food.  Glasses of wine from the extensive list started at around £3.75 and well made cocktails which appeared to be 50% larger than most average bars were £7. The service was also most cheerful.  As one of London’s only restaurants with a 24-hour licence, a superb location, and affordable food & drink, Arch One is somewhere that we should all keep on our radar.

Food – 3/5
Venue – 3/5
Value – 3.5/5

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Charles Gabriel and Associates have recently taken over Arch One Bar & Grill at Waterloo.

Situated outside exit five of Waterloo mainline station and a few minutes walk from the Thames, this Southbank landmark is head and shoulders above it’s competitors with a 24-hour licence, great music, superb location, contemporary décor and affordable delicious food cooked by ex-Gordon Ramsey chef.

This multi-functional venue transforms from a business person’s restaurant to cocktail bar to hedonistic clubbing paradise taking full advantage of 24 hour opening.

The food on offer ranges in style and price from tasty bar snacks or the daily two-course set lunch from £8.90, through to a sizzling grill menu topped off by a fine dining experience in the Balcony restaurant.

There is a fantastic breakfast club to suit all needs with Late Night Breakfast with DJ: 3am - 6am Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Commuter Breakfast which will be available from 8am until 11.30am each weekday.

Drinks: Be it a morning cappuccino or a pot of afternoon tea, a cool beer, a classic cocktail or glass of Champagne the friendly staff will serve up whatever you wish.

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