POTUS - Southbank, London

Whilst citizens of London may have differing views on the president of the United States, American cuisine itself is perennially popular. POTUS, located within a stone's throw of the newly minted US Embassy on the Albert Embankment, is paying homage to the highest office in America with a food and drinks menu inspired by the country and the design inspired by its many heads of state. 

The dining room recalls the classic steakhouses of DC, where deals were sealed and power was brokered, with some nice little contrapuntal contemporary touches. The flooring is all hardwood herringbone parquet polished the point of brilliance. Sleek monochromatic portraits of presidents past line the walls, dimly illumined by a striking crystal chandelier. An underlit hammered-pewter statement bar presides over the space, helmed by an extremely enthusiastic Australian named Matthew, who shook a Ford's Martini with vodka, Lillet Blanc and bitters and an FDR with Havana 5, rose liquor and orange and lime. 

Executive Chef Pablo Peñalosa Nájera has put together a menu that twists American flavours to dramatic effect. We were particularly keen on the fried soft shell crab in a buffalo sauce with a buttermilk blue cheese dressing - an indulgent, inventive take on classic bar food. USDA smoked steak tartare was studded with crispy chicken skins and cornichons with a mustard bourbon dressing. Cioppino imbued a piquant lobster broth with a generous allocation of sea bream, scallops and clams, while the whole lobster mac and cheese served the crustacean alongside a timbale of macaroni topped with parmesan cream sauce and shaved truffle. 

For anyone in the area, including the president if he ever decides to visit the new American embassy, POTUS is a fresh new option worth a visit.