Just off Marylebone high street you'll find a quaint, cobbled side street, with a bustle of al fresco diners sipping crisp wines and perusing menus in true Marylebone fashion. For a spot of lunch that drifts into the evening, there's plenty to choose from. However, one spot in particular that captured our eyes (and hearts) was a sun-drenched terrace, adorned with Parisian bistro chairs and outdoor heaters to keep the evening chills at bay. 108 Brasserie is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, offering outdoor dining that in their own words, will transport you "to the sun-drenched elegance of the French Riviera." On a sunny Thursday evening, we grabbed a seat amongst the leisurely lunchers who still remained, as well as those settling in for a sunset dinner. We were certain would like it here.
We were handed a list of rosé's and champagnes to choose from, the only beverages suitable for a city heatwave. We opted for the bottle of Grenache from Provence-based winery Maison Mirabeau. Known for its elegant rosés and sustainable practices, it comes as no surprise that the wine met our criteria flawlessly; pale, crisp, and refreshing. What's more, 108 Brasserie have partnered with the winery to create an al fresco experience that gives the south of France a run for its money.
We started with the Seabass Crudo, the delicate slices of fish drizzled in a zesty dressing of Early harvest olive oil and lemon, and sprinkled with chilli and spring onion to give the dish a kick. For a light bite, the portion was generous, and the fish exquisitely fresh. The zesty, bright dish paired perfectly with the floral notes of our bottle of 'Pure'; a match made in heaven. While we would typically opt for a starter each, we wanted to leave ample space for what was to come, a plate we saw being served to neighbouring tables, and knew would require a significant appetite. Thus, this simple yet tasty dish fit its purpose: to stimulate our appetite and get us excited for the main event.
The 108 seafood platter is listed as a dish to share, and priced at £85. This might seem hefty, however, it could easily feed a party of three. Immaculately presented on a roomy plate were layers of smoked salmon, hot smoked rillette, tiger prawns, dressed white crab meat, and peppered mackerel, all surrounding the centrepiece, a mountain of creamy prawn cocktail. This came with a side of (what seemed to be unlimited, or perhaps we had a generous waiter) bread. Even the gluten-free kind. The quality of fish was second-to-none, each bite was a mouthful of fresh, salty flavours. Whilst we made a significant dent in the platter, despite three hours of sipping, nibbling, and people-watching, we simply could not conquer the feast in front of us. With our doggy bags in hand, we can vouch that for £85, you most certainly get your money's worth of food.
To conclude, summertime calls for leisurely lunches, and we couldn't quite think of a better place to partake in one. From the quaint, cobble-stoned setting and fresh seafood dishes to the wines from Provence to wash them down, this cozy Marylebone spot is the perfect place to escape the chaos of London and indulge your luxurious side.
