Aqua Nueva is one of those hidden gems that once you discover it, you wonder just what you used to do without it.
Aqua Nueva is one of those hidden gems that once you discover you wonder just what you used to do without it. Nestled conspicuously in the heart of the West End and on one of London’s busiest shopping streets this ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ venue is well worth a visit. 
Once stepping inside the entrance off of Regent St you are whisked up onto the 5th floor and the first thing that hits you is the rather darkened rooms creating an air of mystery, exclusivity and that you have just stepped into somewhere rather special. The decor is opulent, encompassing a mix of Aqua Nueva and its sistering japanese restaurant on the same floor, Aqua Kyoto.
We headed to the bar and asked the bartender for his recommended cocktails. Friendly and knowledgable, he talked us through the cocktail menu explaining what he liked about certain mixes and we eventually settled on the Toreador (Don Julio Anejo, lime, apricot & egg white) and the Knickerbocker (Pampero blanco rum, lime, raspberry and contrieu). We took these out onto the rooftop terrace and it is safe to say our breaths were taken away. Tumbling beneath us was a birds-eye view of the city, the sun just setting over some of our most favourite landmarks.
After we had finished our cocktails we headed into the restaurant. The atmosphere is sultry with a buzz, oozing sophistication yet stretching a welcoming arm at the same time. The ceiling is the highlight of the room, a copper-coloured vaulted ceiling which was designed to imitate the inside of the renowned sherry casks of Jerez.) Black and white tiles adorn the floor and dark mahogany tables further add to the atmosphere.
We were greeted by our waiter for the evening, who talked us through the tapas menu. Now let me reiterate, this menu is a world away from the classic and rustic tapas found in rural Spain, it is an upgraded and refined version, nodding to original dishes and adding a primped up twist. The menu is sharp and adventurous adding extra splashes of flavour, ingredients and that touch of gourmet.
For starters we selected five dishes including “pimientos de padron” – padron peppers deep fried in olive oil and topped with salt (absolutely delicious!) escalivada – Traditional crystal bread with smoked grilled vegetables and patatas bravas – bravas style potatoes. All of the dishes were steeped in flavour and nice and hot when brought out. Portion sizes were ideal for sharing and the variety of dishes available offered plenty for different palettes.
After these we went onto the main dishes, the nuestra version del huevo estrellao (soft poached egg with chorizo, pancetta, fried potatoes) being a firm favourite. Again, the dishes were teeming with flavours, the meat succulent and the vegetables the right level of al dente.
For dessert we opted for the bavarese de chocolate blanco, cerezas y perfume de rosas – white chocolate bavarois, cherries and rose perfume. Delicately scented, decadently flavoured and not too heavy on the stomach, this was an ideal finisher for the meal. The flavours were soft and the textures appeasing and I would certainly order this again.
After our meal we headed back out to the roof terrace for a glass of Prosecco whilst watching the bright lights of the city below. You feel a whole world away from the hustle bustle and it is a true haven in the centre of London.
Perfect for a romantic treat or a celebration with friends.
Aqua Nueva
5th Floor
240 Regent St
London
W1B 3BR
