Casa Cruz is fast becoming Notting Hill’s most fashionable watering hole
Words Hannah Hopkins
First there was Chiltern Firehouse. Then Sexy Fish and Kitty Fisher’s, and now Casa Cruz. Based on Notting Hill’s famed Clarendon Road – its fast becoming the place to be in the celebrity world.The wood-decked restaurant-come-member’s club space offers a sophisticated menu of surf ‘n’ turf. Including dishes with an Argentinean influence. Famous visitors include Natalie Massenet, Victoria Beckham, Eugenie Niarchos and Eva Longoria to name a few. Roger Vivier, Camille Seydoux, Zac Posen and Sabine Getty have also visited the hotspot.
Designed by Santa Cruz himself. Who already has three Ritzy restaurants in Buenos Aires: Aldo’s, Isabel and the original Casa Cruz. It’s the perfect place for dining and partying under one roof. There is a second-floor smoking patio. Where fashion editors, designers and starlets mingle and do business.
“Natalie Massenet and Victoria Beckham have been spotted there”
Tucked behind a luminous copper door. There is a metallic theme throughout. Think copper and mahogany streaked walls. Complemented by an oval bar, emerald banquettes and oil table lamps. The space even has a signature scent (vetiver and French rose). The soundtrack (Brazilian Bossa Nova turning to rock ‘n’ roll when it gets late), adds to the intimate vibe.
The food’s not bad either. With signature dishes like humitas. A typical Chilean appetizer consisting of spiced corn on the menu. Cocktails are well priced at £12 and a meal costs roughly £48 per person.We sample the weekend lunch menu. The place was full of well-heeled customers, even at 12pm. Beginning with elderflower cocktails. For our starter we chose octopus carpaccio with lime, chili and olive Oil and Vitello Tonnato. Mains included a selection of hand made pastas and gnocchi. There was an extensive Pescados and Carnes list. Perfect for lazy lunches. The menu has two daily feasting specials for groups of four or more. Served upon silver platters. Expect the likes of whole salt baked wild sea bass and whole roasted beef fillet.
The only downside? There’s rumoured to be a three-month waiting list…Best get booking now.Casa Cruz
123A Clarendon Road, W11; 0203 321 5400
casacruz.com
