Dining in Tower 42: Jason Atherton's City Social

I am many things but a self-proclaimed foodie certainly isn’t one of them. Don’t get me wrong – I love food. And of course, I wouldn’t really be a true Melburnian if I didn’t appreciate fine dining and its associated culture. I’m also incredibly lucky to work in an industry where good food and good company is a core part of doing business.

That said, rarely do I feel the urge – or rather, the authority – to write or comment about my dining escapades. For Michelin starred City Social, however, I just can’t resist.

Located in East London, the restaurant is located on the 24th floor of Tower 42. Inside, the floor to ceiling windows just beg you to appreciate the view outside them. Informal half-moon booths facing the view provide an intimate yet awe-inspiring setting where you’ll find yourself seriously wondering if this is real life. I promise I’m not being over-dramatic.

The food was absolutely incredible – rich, thoughtful and entirely memorable. Kicking things off, I opted for the appropriately named drink, “Oh my gourd!” – a cocktail which somehow managed to simultaneously celebrate my love of puns and tequila. How could I resist?

Fondly dubbed a ‘potato-arian’ by my family, it will come as no surprise to them that one of my favourite meals in London had the vegetable firmly at its core, albeit in a classier fashion than your standard British fish and chips. I ordered gnocchi to start followed by a potato and caramelised onion terrine which makes my mouth water even as I write this days later. We shared the côte de bœuf between us before falling into a blissful food coma.

And then, dessert: the Apple tarte tartin with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. I mean, there are no words to describe it (though ‘true love’ almost comes close). And the cheese trolley – even Henry VIII would have been impressed by the decadence.