My Birthday | Madison

Where I ate:

Madison, One New Change, London

It was so long ago now, but I’ve only just got round to documenting my birthday – probably the best birthday meal out, ever! I booked Madison’s at St. Paul’s, following a recommendation from Vicky – and of course it didn’t disappoint, she always knows the best places to go! It’s at One New Change and as it’s on the sixth floor, we took the lift up, but once you’re at the top, the views are incredible.

Although it’s predominantly a restaurant, there’s plenty of seating outside, with a lovely terrace – but of course it was far too cold for us to be out there. We couldn’t resist but get a couple of pictures afterwards. The bar area is a reasonable size, with tables for larger parties – yano, the kinds that order Salmanazars of Champagne and Grey Goose; yeah those! I felt so out of place in comparison. They were even getting little cones of chips delivered to their booths.

We arrived pretty early so had a quick drink in the bar – prosecco, of course – before being seated. We were introduced to our waiter for the evening – a lovely man called Majek – and as they knew it was my birthday, a card and birthday shots soon followed before we perused the menu.

What I ate:

650g Chateaubriand with truffle fries, followed by chocolate brownie with banana and rum ice cream

All week, I knew I was going to be choosing a steak and as Georgia wanted steak too, I suggested we share the chateaubriand (medium rare). It arrived on a board, already carved and served with mushroom and a rocket salad. It was absolutely incredible, not as good as Hawksmoor, but very well-cooked. Majek recommended the truffle fries and we went with his suggestion. Neither of us knew what they were or what they’d taste like and to be honest, I still have no idea. I can’t even describe them and I don’t know if I liked them. There was so much, even for two, but we gave it a good go. Laura went for the hamburger, which looked very good too – a proper chunky fresh burger. She enjoyed it!

I didn’t think I’d have room for dessert but I chose the chocolate brownie, the same as Laura; Georgia went for sticky toffee pudding. My dessert came out on a large decorated plate with sparkler, which caused the entire restaurant to stare. Of course, we had to get a couple of pictures of that – the highlight of the evening. The brownie was so rich but the nicest I’d had, even if I couldn’t manage more than a couple of mouthfuls.

The service was excellent throughout, until we got told our three hour slot was up (I was never informed of a time limit) and so our bill and leaving was rushed. Considering the amount we ate and drank (two bottles of rosé), £50 a head was more than reasonable. As I say, it was the best birthday meal I’ve had and so lovely to be in perfect surroundings with such good friends for a special occasion.

I’d love to go back in the summer for cocktails early evening; I imagine there’s a great atmosphere when everyone has Pimm’s or Bellini in hand.