Another good reason to book a table at this very fine restaurant

Although I’d clocked the arrival of Texture on the corner of London’s Portman Square in 2007, it took me till last year to finally pitch up there for dinner…

Although I’d clocked the arrival of Texture on the corner of London’s Portman Square in 2007, it took me until last year to finally pitch up there for dinner. However, since then I’ve certainly been making up for lost time – both in the restaurant (first picture) and the chic champagne bar (second picture).

For those who aren’t familiar with it, Texture is the brainchild of the award-winning French Sommelier Xavier Rousset and Icelandic chef Agnar Sverrisson, who cut their teeth at Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons. So the pedigree and terroir of Texture was extremely promising from the off.

Sverrisson’s sophisticated, modern European cooking is well thought out and brilliantly executed, especially his signature dish of Icelandic lamb. Equally good is the design, ambience and intelligent service. However, not to be outshone, Rousset’s comprehensive and well-priced wine list is no less impressive. For fizz aficionados, the champagne bar has nearly 90 labels, from the top Grandes Marques to many of the region’s most exciting growers.

As if this wasn’t reason enough to book a table sharp-ish, Texture has just come up with another mouthwatering incentive to pull in the punters. For the whole of January, Rousset is offering the opportunity to bring your own wine, free. The BYO offer is limited to one bottle of wine per table free of charge. Thereafter, you’ll have to pay £25 for corkage or, of course, buy a wine from Rousset’s list. Either way, it’s a win-win situation.

Fact Box:

Texture Restaurant, 34 Portman Street, London W1 (020-7224 0028; www.texture-restaurant.co.uk).