The Loose Box Review

Book a table at The Loose Box

For a venue that is obviously very proud of its heritage, the Loose Box is surprisingly modern inside, with a minimal feel that hints towards history rather than making it the bar's focus. Yet somehow, even though they have struck the interior zen-like balance most restaurants strive for the entire lives, there is something oddly dowdy about the Loose Box.

And I think it's the customers. Individually, I'm sure all the post-work drinkers and diners at the Loose Box are chic, stylish connoisseurs in their own right; and with the local neighbourhood including Burberry HQ and the Channel 4 offices, one might think the bar has the potential to be one of the most fashionable, media savvy hubs in London, hell, you could even bump into Maquitta Oliver. But this isn't the case. En masse, the crowd is a dull haze of dark suits and ruddy faces, pounding lager and white wine as if prohibition is just around the corner. Thankfully Prohibition isn’t just around the corner, but that didn't dissuade me from readily enjoying a charmingly crisp, if slightly over priced chablis, at an astounding pace. Well, when in Rome.

It looked as though the most popular choice of solid food stuffs, to accompany the aquatic-like consumption of the crowd, was chips. There must be an Irish potato farmer somewhere scratching his bald little head and wondering just why he's selling so many spuds - a trip to SW1 would soon answer his question. As tempted as I was, I felt duty bound to provide a slightly more comprehensive review than just chips'n'wine, so I took a long hard look at the menu.

Me being so picky and my dinner companion so indecisive, we opted for a rustic British platter to start, giving us the perfect selection of a little of everything. Of course it was served on a large wooden chopping board, not that I have a problem with large wooden chopping boards - they sit nicely alongside the copper pots, pieces of slate and glass dishes that most London restaurants have taken to serving their food on. In fact, I can't remember the last time I was served food on a plate. What a quaint notion.

Manly sized portions of food were the order for the main course. Veal and Steak (separate dishes, mind you, I didn't quite fancy the idea of post dinner meat-sweats) were extremely well cooked and the cuts were choice. Which was a fantastic relief as I always feel I'm taking a bit of gamble then ordering such food. The reality of the first bite so often doesn't live up to expectations, leading to the same disappointment one feels with mouldy loaf of bread you though was good to go, or a bad strawberry in a punnet of red plump fruits. But here, the mains lived up to the dream and left little room for dessert. But room nonetheless.

This room was swiftly filled with sticky, sweet spongy dessert; the kind of pudding that seems like such a good idea when the waitress playfully tempts you into ordering it and yet half way through you realise you've consumed enough sugar to induce hallucinations and that same flirty waitress becomes a 50ft apron clad siren, intent on your sugary demise.

And what a way to go. Practically having to roll myself out of the restaurant, clambering over the merry patrons of the Loose Box, I concluded that the Loose Box is a good place to dine. That may seem like thoroughly lazy journalism to you, but 'good' is exactly the word I mean. A little better than 'OK' with elements of 'nice' but far too borderline to be anything but good. Don't knock good. After all, dining at a good restaurant is a hell of a lot better than dining at a bad one....read more

Paul Wells 12 May 2010

The Loose Box Description

The Loose Box Bar and Kitchen is a contemporary, stylish and friendly venue on Horseferry road. With premium ingedients carefully sourced from local suppliers, The Loose Box brings fine seasonal British cuisine to Westminster in the heart of London. A superb range of British dishes are served alongside fine wines and international beers. Crisp, contemporary décor features in the bright and airy interior, with al fresco dining also offered. Private functions are specially catered for. Perfect venue for meetings, after work drinks or office parties.

Customer Reviews for The Loose Box

Average (based on 2 votes): 2 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of The Loose Box.

“The food is fresh and delicious. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The restaurant atmosphere is just amazing you feel at home. I went with my friend and we were sitting outside and we really liked it. Since then we invite other friends. Great especailly for summer time.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Tsige, London (2 years 1 months 28 days ago)

“A bar that i hadn't noticed pop up, until I ended up going there for afterwork refreshment nearly every week. A great addition to the bars of Westminster - it offers a relaxed and unprentious atmosphere and is always packed of an evening. Great for a cooling 6pm beer now the summer has hit.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Martin, london (3 years 1 months 7 days ago)

The Loose Box Opening Hours

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: British
• Average Price: £12.00
• Group: Moonshine Bars