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Flowers and food - two of the key components at Stem + Stem in the City
So what do we need to know about Stem + Stem?
This new triple threat - a combo of florist, wine bar and restaurant - opened up slightly under the radar at the tail end of last year. But when you take a closer look at the team involved, as we did, it suddenly becomes very much worth checking out.
The folk in question include Dee Reid, who is the creative force behind it. Her background is fashion and floristry, having worked for Burberry and Topshop before retraining in floristry at McQueens. Her partner in this endeavour is chef Ed Boarland and he has quite the CV, having worked for everyone from Clare Smyth at Gordon Ramsay to the Roux Brothers at the Waterside Inn. He's also exec chef at another City spot, Cabotte, which is just around the corner from this.
Where is it?
You'll find it in a brand new building down the historic Bow Lane in the heart of the City, just opposite the churchyard of the ancient St Mary Aldermary. The nearest tube would be Mansion House but it's close to Bank too.
This is what you're looking for...
Where should we sit?
If you're here for a glass of wine then there's a large all-counter wine bar at the back of the space. There's also plenty of room in the restaurant if you're looking for somewhere that can take a group booking. But we were delighted with our table for two overlooking the lane and across to the church.
The aesthetic here is just lovely.
What's on the menu?
Sustainability is a keyword here, from the blooms that are sold in the florist section to the food and drink you'll find on the menu at Stem + Stem. Ed regularly changes it every few weeks or so, depending on what's good and seasonal, but it's loosely split into snacks, small and large plates and sharing options.
Here's what we had to give you a taste of what to expect.
Oysters are a big part of the offering here - there were three different types when we visited and our Carlingford were sparkling examples, served with a good vinaigrette. They also do them dressed with smoked oil, Arenka caviar and trout roe.
Charred English baby leeks with a smoky buttermilk dressing and leek oil (£6)
Cornish squid with a tomato and basil dressing and chimichurri (£9)
Roasted quail, chicken and summer truffle sausages with a mint yoghurt dressing (£8) - we're still thinking about how good these were. This and all the above were from the snacks section.
Next, we moved into the small and large plates portion of the menu.
Heritage tomato salad with sourdough, chilled tomato water and wild camomile (£12). Right now, there are a lot of tomato salads on menus across London, but we doubt that many of them will be as good as this which featured tomatoes in their fresh, confit and dried states, all swimming in tomato water.
Cured chalk stream trout with fresh peas, Granny Smith apples, cucumber and meadowsweet vinaigrette (£14)
Trio of Merrifield duck and rainbow chard, sweetcorn and English cherries maceerated in a Pinot noir reduction (£29)
Spinach and ricotta tortellini with peas, broad beans, sundried tomatoes and aged cheddar (£24)
Room for dessert?
There were two on offer when we went (in addition to a cheese course) so we thought we may as well try both...
This was a very superior take on Eton mess made with Madagascar vanilla creme Chantilly (£7)
Rolled oat treacle tart with clotted cream (£7) - a dessert dish that's always on the menu, and when you try it you'll understand why.
What's the wine list like?
It's a small yet comprehensive list, with an emphasis on European wines, in particular France & Italy. We went for the by-the-glass option which was a great way to give the list a good try. Memorably good options included a Sauvignon Blanc from Ignaz Niedrist up on the Italian/Austrian border and a delicious Alsatian crémant from Domaine Kientzler. It's a decently priced list too with a lot in the £35-£55 section although, as this is the City, there's a fair few bottles of push-the-boat-out Burgundy on there too.
Anything else we should know?
We walked away with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers after our meal. If you fancy getting an arrangement of local British flowers, you could always call ahead if you're here for dinner and they'll be ready for you to take home with you. They've also recently started opening at the weekends for Saturday Sessions, from midday to 6pm, as a way to try out new dishes for the menu.
Overall thoughts
Stem + Stem feels like a genuinely interesting addition to the City dining scene, whether you're here for a glass of wine and a snack or fancy a longer interlude over lunch or dinner. With one of those menus that has lots on it to entice combined with pitch-perfect service and a lovely airy, flower-filled room we thought it was a real find. An easy recommendation, particularly if you live or work nearby.
More about Stem + Stem
Where is it? 12 Bow Lane, London EC4M 9AL
How to book: Book online
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @stemandstemlondon
Hot Dinners dined as guests of Stem + Stem. Prices correct at time of publication.
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