At House Of Coco, we always bring you the latest launches and hot spots and Ochre is our newest addition

Ochre stands proudly on the West shoulder of the National Gallery, aside the Neoclassical building, artfully carving its niche as the essential culinary climax of any visit.

Steeped in the hues of it’s very name, Ochre’s opulent decor is an enveloping autumnal hug for the senses. From plush earth toned banquettes to mirror shine gold metallics, every aspect of the interior has been designed meticulously with a palatial intention fused with a welcoming warmth. A scattering of soft furnishings by London College of Fashion graduate Gergei Erdei punctuates and brings an intimacy to the expansive dining room.

The husband and wife team behind the venture, Charlotte & Sam Miller – who also run the National Gallery’s more self-effacing sibling, Muriel’s Kitchen – have hit the nail on the head at Ochre by marrying grandiose surroundings with an earthy embrace.

Greeted by the attentive but never intrusive front of house team, we were ushered into a hearty bustling environment, full of clinking glassware, atmospheric chatter and captivating aromas.

The nucleus of Ochre lies in it’s dedication to sustainable, seasonal produce, almost entirely UK sourced and rich decadent dishes which leave you sated but craving a return visit.

Our intuitive host, Rifat, asked if he could recommend some dishes for us and we were only too happy to accede. Truth be told, prior to our visit, I had perused the menu online and in all honesty, wasn’t particularly moved by it.

However, it was love at first bite of the Isle of Wight heritage tomatoes with whipped goats cheese, basil cress and pomegranate molasses – a truly dynamic amalgam.

We diligently worked through Saddleback pork & Westcombe cheddar croquettes, stuffed courgette flower as well as the sweet potato and English pea samosas. These were dishes I’d never ordinarily opt for but am eternally grateful that we were given an opportunity to introduce our taste buds to such zesty piquancy.

We had to rest for a substantial amount of time, such was the impact of our ‘small’ plate starters, albeit buoyed by the glacial accompaniment of a delicious Whispering Angel rose.

Our main courses brought further culinary elation as I opted for the charred cauliflower – sans mushrooms as I’m not a fungi fan – with cauli puree and capers. To say I’ve never enjoyed cauliflower more would be an abhorrent understatement. Looking more like an artistic crustacean, my favourite vegetable was given a glow up far beyond my expectations.

My enthusiastic counterpart enjoyed the 28-day aged Hereford rib-eye steak served with chimichurri and a majestic braised shallot. All of this was accompanied by a flavoursome garden salad and comforting triple cooked chips.

The portion sizes at Ochre are generous to a fault and not for the faint of appetite. We couldn’t possibly hold space for dessert which was of great dismay to us, but serves as a perfect warrant for a subsequent visit.

Fine dining which is indulgent and intensely gratifying, a visit here whether you take in the National Gallery or not, is requisite.