Settling on a restaurant in the City wants consideration of a trifecta of criteria: location, affordability and cuisine. And then there's the unspoken resolve to avoid the haunts of suited city workers on a weeknight. Sketching a figurative Venn diagram of suitability, Haz Bishopsgate was the top pick for a casual weeknight meal with a friend. Despite not being familiar with the franchise, reviews online were positive and the menu of tantalizing mezze and grills appealed to us both.
Bursting through the doorway and emerging into the bar, I was immediately taken with the handsome interior- the façade of the building mimics the historical style of its surroundings, but inside, the space is spacious, modern and bright. The impressive height of the ceiling is emphasised by hanging light fixtures and a spiralling staircase leading to the restaurant upstairs. The atmosphere in the bar was tranquil and the staff remarkably polite. I immediately fretted that this was much too sophisticated for a relaxed sitting.
Upstairs, the restaurant was slightly buzzier and atmospheric- we were given a table in the corner of the room, allowing us ample space and the chance to natter without disrupting neighbouring diners or eavesdropping on adjacent conversations. My friend arrived first and there was already a basket of bread and a creamy tzatziki-styled dip on the table when I was seated. Our server was pleasant and respectful- gathering that we were in no rush to order, she patiently returned after several fruitless circulations of the area.
We shared a starter of karides tava, a hot mezze of juicy sautéed prawns muddled with a sauce of stewed tomatoes and chopped herbs, which was fresh, garlicy and delightful. The sauce packed a wallop of flavour despite its modest ingredients, making it a light and satisfying start to the meal. Following this, I opted for the tavuk shish cubes of chicken breast grilled on skewers- this arrived as tender, moist hunks of chicken within a crispy charred skin and accompanied with plain rice and a mixed vegetable medley of peppers and courgette. Lacking any heft or stodge, this was an ideal midweek supper, being both substantial and simple- everything was lightly kissed with olive oil; nothing arrived as a slick mess.
We enjoyed a languid, unhurried meal at Haz and I was impressed with the price point given its City location. Dishes were plentiful, fresh and the ambiance was clean and modern with touches of sophistication. The menu is limited to classic Mediterranean fare and our dishes were superbly rendered with attractive uncomplicated execution and presentation. The environs are glamourous, so this is a nice destination for a quiet date or a stylish alternative for after work drinks with friends.
Classic, unfussy and elegant, Haz Bishopsgate is a worthy contender for a City meal, offering a touch of style that isn't just for bankers. read more