Quick, somebody sound the sexy-Mexican-rooftop-date-spot klaxon…
…because Madera At Treehouse London has arrived at the top of a private elevator ride inside the Treehouse Hotel just off Oxford Street, and our weirdly, unjustifiably low expectations of it were comfortably exceeded.
The group behind it already runs Toca Madera in LA and Scottsdale, and the concept here remains pretty much the same: to provide ‘an elevated, modern, and organic take on traditional Mexican cuisine‘. Except this time A) they’re using local, British produce, and B) they’ve taken the whole ‘elevated’ element to new heights, with Madera at The Treehouse London’s location up on 15th floor.
In keeping with the hotel below it, the restaurant playfully echos a treehouse: wooden floors; wicker tables & chairs; and a jungle of both potted and hanging plants. However, the “Finest Design Decision” award definitely goes to whichever living legend it was that signed off on the massive floor-to-ceiling windows that gift diners such a beautiful panoramic view of London.
Image: Simon Brown
In fact there isn’t a single place in the restaurant where the view’s not amazing (really, we checked). Although there is one spot that somehow trumps the rest. It’s at the back, in the middle of a strip of booths, with an unobstructed view over both The Shard and St Pauls. There are also great views from the Nest bar above the restaurant, particularly from its wraparound terrace with a telescope positioned on one corner. You can book a space in that bar pre-6pm, but after that time it’s reserved for hotel guests and / or private functions. The restaurant has its own bar area too, though.
Signature dishes that are worth keeping an eye out for include the Pan Plano (Mexican-style flatbread topped with the likes of Dorset crab, avocado, and grilled mushrooms with truffle pecorino); the street tacos (served with chicken, shrimp, or pollo vegano (vegan chicken)); and the organic grass-fed Carne Asada. In fact there’s a big ol’ list of entreés on offer – prime skirt steak; jumbo shrimp; and jidori chicken – which are served at the table on hot lava stones, with pico de gallo, tortillas, and rice & beans for sides. And there are dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus available on request, too.
To wash it all down you’ll find a decent list of creative cocktails which – similarly to the food – are all made using local, organic ingredients. The Alma del Sol, por ejemplo, is created using Avion Reposado tequila, chile de arbol and turmeric infused Chase English elderflower; whilst the Como La Flor is a mix of Codigo Rosa tequila, Lillet Blanc, guava purée, lemon juice, syrup, and rose water…
Would water by any other name smell as sweet?
Yep.
NOTE: Madera At Treehouse London is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all week long. For more information, or to book, visit their website HERE.
14-15 Langham Place, London, W1B2QS
Last updated: 20th November 2019 | Header image: Simon Brown
Big on Mexican food? Take a look at La Bodega Negra.