74 Charlotte Street showcases a European elegance.
Tucked into the heart of Fitzrovia, just a short stroll from Goodge Street, 74 Charlotte Street recently opened to quiet acclaim. A new vision by Ben Murphy, formerly of Launceston Place and The Berkeley, it brings pedigree, polish and a decidedly playful spirit to a neighbourhood long known for its creative energy and breadth of dining. Here, tradition meets imagination. Welcome to a space that feels intimate yet urban, and elevated yet unpretentious.
Designed by Chris Bagot Architects, the restaurant balances elegance with casual comfort. A curved staircase leads from a softly lit cocktail bar upstairs – with creamy oak, a marble-topped bar, relaxed banquettes and soft lighting – down into a dining room. Here, the garden glasshouse floods the space with light and views up to street level. This, combined with light oak floors, well-spaced tables and gentle ambient music, creates a calm, welcoming rhythm.
It’s a setting that invites lingering. Some parts of the room feel intimate, others quietly social. The mood is stylish without showiness; grown-up without stiffness – a rare treat, appreciated fully with the most stunning Bellini of fresh peach and Ayala Champagne.
The kitchen at 74 Charlotte Street embraces a bold philosophy. The dishes are rooted in classical technique, served with a twist of theatre and whimsy. During our visit, what first appeared to be a humble Beetroot “brownie lookalike” starter topped with raspberries turned out to be a delicious trick of textures and tastes. Beetroot, balsamic and horseradish sorbet combined to delight and surprise the palate. It was a perfect entrée – playful yet refined, comforting yet clever.
For the main course, we opted for the BBQ Monkfish with vin jaune, coco bean and mussel jus. The dish captured the kitchen’s balance of confidence and care. The fish was smoky and buttery, the jus rich but restrained, but what truly elevated the dish were the elegant sides. Sides included Ben’s Chip, a house-style peri-peri chips, and a Mixed Leaf Salad dressed with ponzu and leeks. The contrasts of texture, taste, richness and lightness made the plate sing.
To accompany our choices, Harry – our host and sommelier – recommended an unexpected partner: a crisp Turkish Sauvignon Blanc which cut beautifully through the richness of the monkfish and chips, lifting the whole experience.
Dessert at 74 Charlotte Street proved just as inventive. Advised to try both the Lemon and the Fig Leaf Ice Cream, we did – and neither disappointed.
The Lemon arrived sculpted like a perfect fruit. Its glossy shell giving way to a tiered interior of lemon mousse and lemon gel: fresh, nuanced and never overly sweet. It was a delightful surprise of form and flavour.
The Fig Leaf Ice Cream followed, served from the restaurant’s nostalgic ice cream trolley. It was dusted with fig leaf powder, drizzled with Manuka honey and paired with a crisp honeycomb crumble. Delicate, fragrant and subtly playful, it was a fitting finale.
The entire journey felt artfully orchestrated. The experience reflected the growing praise for the restaurant’s imaginative takes on classic British and European dishes, reinterpreted with flair.
The service at 74 Charlotte Street matches its cooking: attentive, expert, genuinely warm and never obtrusive. Hospitality feels intuitive from the moment you arrive. The sommelier guides with gentle, confident suggestions, often surprising with perfect wine pairings.
With a wine list of more than 300 bottles and cocktails to match, the selection offers both comfort and adventure. Staff are friendly, calm, and evidently enjoy their role.
In a city often overrun with noise and spectacle, 74 Charlotte Street offers something rare: subtlety, elegance and heart. It doesn’t shout; it invites. It doesn’t overwhelm; it enchants. For anyone who loves London for its layers – history and freshness, calm and energy, intimacy and possibility – this is a small, luminous secret worth sharing.
GO: Visit https://74charlottestreet.com for more information.