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LONDON
All images courtesy of Sasha Huang | CSP Times.
Double Standard, which sits on the ground floor of The Standard, London, is home to the city's most delightful burgers, lively DJ scenes and a popular bottomless Sunday Brunch.
Guests escape the present to travel back to the 70s for some good food with good friends – here's a peek into the dining hotspot.
The space is a marriage between retro-boho-chic and timeless elegance. The earthy tones of rustic red, hardwood brown, and mustard yellow combine in perfect harmony, accented by a luscious green that invites the eye to linger.
The opaque colours of the furniture serve as a perfect foil to the mosaics that line the floor, their intricate designs speaking to the care and attention paid to every detail of this exquisite space. Meanwhile, the structured metal chairs lend a touch of modernity, ensuring that the overall effect is one of balance and harmony.
But it is the bar itself that truly captures the imagination, with alcohol bottles and glass cups standing at the ready for the skilled bartenders who ply their trade here. A scarlet red, vintage-looking photobooth is nestled humbly by the left window, as if it has already served all those who have entered and is now content to watch over the scene with a sense of quiet satisfaction.
Ginger Margarita
Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Lime, Ginger Foam
In essence, the Ginger Margarita is the perfect cocktail for those who relish the sharp, tingling sensation of a spicy libation, and who are unafraid to explore new and exciting flavour combinations. With tequila taking center stage, the drink boasts a prominent kick that is perfectly complemented by the light and airy ginger foam that floats delicately on its surface.
Colada (Alcohol Free)
Pineapple, Coconut, Lemon, Cream
Sweet, creamy yet refreshing, the Colada awakens the taste buds. Every ingredient can be identified with a sip as they work harmoniously with one another.
The Plant-Based Burger
Meatless Patty, Smoked Applewood Cheese, Lettuce, Pickles. Served with Sweet Potato Fries
From the very first bite, the plant-based burger lives up to its formidable reputation, delivering a juicy, gourmet experience.
The bun, soft and fragrant with subtle hints of butter, boasts a crispy, burnt exterior that perfectly complements the tender, meatless patty at its core. Silky and melted, the cheese adds a deliciously smoky flavor that lingers long after the last bite. Slices of pickle, onion, and lettuce bring a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the burger, while the gentle smoky aroma ties the entire dish together in a glorious celebration of flavour.
But that's not all. The sweet potato fries, served in a bright red cup, are seasoned to perfection with just the right amount of saltiness to contrast with their natural sweetness. Crispy at the tips and irresistibly soft within, they elevate the classic burger and fries combo to a truly gourmet level. All in all, the Double Standard has truly outdone itself, creating a culinary experience that is both classic and contemporary, simple yet refined, and above all, utterly delicious.
Mac ‘N’ Cheese
Pickled Onion, Sourdough Breadcrumbs
The Mac 'N' Cheese arrives at your table in all its sizzling glory, served up hot on a skillet grill pan that perfectly showcases the dish's vibrant yellow hues. It's a sight to behold, and the picturesque plating fits seamlessly into the dining scene.
As you take in the dish's aesthetic appeal, the tantalising aroma of the sourdough breadcrumbs mingling with the lightly smoked cheese fills the air. The cheese's tangy notes envelop the macaroni, creating a beautiful balance of flavours that are further enhanced by the crunchiness of the breadcrumbs and the almost-transparent pickled onions.
The dish's texture is equally sublime, with the creamy and silky macaroni contrasting perfectly with the sweet and sour notes of the pickled onion. It's a harmonious dance of flavours and textures that never becomes too dense or greasy, leaving you wanting more with every bite.
Doughnuts, Espresso Sorbet
The freshly fried doughnuts were incredibly soft and delicate, covered in a luxurious layer of cinnamon and sugar that was still warm to the touch. They were like biting into an aromatic cloud – light and fluffy.
The espresso sorbet provided a refreshing contrast to the hot and sweet cinnamon doughnut. Its icy bitterness helped to balance out the flavours, and the coffee scent was both prominent and invigorating.
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Address: 10 Argyle Street, London, United Kingdom | Website: standardhotels.com/en-GB/london/features/standard_london_double_standard | Phone: +44 20 3981 8888 | Email: london@standardhotels.com | Instagram: @thestandardlondon | Facebook: @TheStandardLondon