Nice Brunch: The Ambassador

55 Exmouth Market
EC1R 4QL
Tel: 020-7837 0009

Date of Last Visit: Sunday, 22 October 2006

The Victims: Al, Michael, Trudie

The Background: A while back, I read this review in The Independent about The Ambassador and I have been dying to go ever since. That, combined with being shut out of every gastro in EC1 and N1 for Sunday lunch led to the ultimate fulfilment of my long-held desire. The day had finally arrived.

The Arrival: I was 5 minutes early. Even when I try to be late, I’m on time!!! I was met at the door by a very nice gentleman who let me pick my table, and also let me borrow a newspaper. I enjoyed a very good coffee and an article on binge drinking while I waited on my compatriots. Nice touch: there was kiddie stuff on the newspaper table.

The Drinks: The wine list was really really nice. Thoughtful. I had something from Alsace, because that’s apparently where my maternal grandfather is from. Resolution: Be better about remembering the wine that I drink. Anyhow, the by-the-glass-options were great. Al had a new world red and we were content inside on a rainy rainy day. The only thing that could have made it better was music.

The Tap Water Test: A jug! A whole jug. Passed.

The Mains: Well Michael and Trudie finally arrived and our orders were placed. I had the fish stew, Al the lamb (much praised by our server), Michael the sausage sandwich, and Trudie the salmon. Michael won–that sausage sandwich looked really good. The bread was toasted to perfection. It was gorgeous. I had my camera but I am still uneasy about this taking-pictures-of-other-people’s-food thing. You must trust me on this one. How lovely it was, all in it’s sausage-y wonderfulness. Perfection. My fish stew was not so much a stew as some mussels and some salmon and some white fish (halibut? I am not certain.) in a tiny bit of carrot soup. Oh, and some carrots. It was nice. Very modern. But on such a drizzly day, I would have loved something more warm and comforting.

The Decor: No frills. Honestly, it was not very exciting. But maybe that’s the point.

The Service: Really nice. Really friendly. They have good people.

The Ladies’: God this country takes the term "water closet" way too seriously.

The Verdict: I did like it. I didn’t dislike it. The wine list was great, and my food was really good. But I don’t think I would rush to go back or overly recommend it to friends.  I wanted to like it more.