Stylish hotel packs an Eastern surprise
Based out in Aldgate East, the optimistically monickered Qbic City hotel has the potential to be a place steeped in disappointment but, in fact, it’s rather nice.
Reminiscent of a trendy Lower East Side hotel, a lobby which could be a corporate horror has been transformed with stylish bits and pieces hanging from the wall, a rickshaw, a lightly scary doll’s pram – you get the idea.
The theme continues into the restaurant, Part and Labour, which also enjoys a hint of Scandanavian wood-panelled warmth with some neat touches – bowler hat hanging lamps in particular.
Clientele-wise, a mixture of diners and patrons of the hotel, the odd person dining alone, a confused looking elderly couple waiting for a hotel taxi.
There’s more than a hint of Jewish influences to the menu, particularly the sandwich section – toasted Ruebens and Sabichs are available.
But the a la carte menu’s a bit more mainstream, burgers, steak, etc, which makes sense for a hotel restaurant.
There’s still a few surprises though; the eastern European-style gnocchi, more like croquettes than Italian dumplings, were absolutely fantastic – served with rich mushrooms and leaves, and possessing a deeply satisfying garlic and lemon flavour. Also croquette-like were the ham and cheese potato parcels, a bit bland until dipped in the accompanying mayonnaise. Meanwhile the smoked salmon was juicy, thickly sliced and served with some slightly stodgy buttered bread.
The desserts were impressive: the pear tarts with almond ice cream melted in the mouth; the chocolate marquise was dark and mysterious, livened up with a mint and pistachio sauce; and the delicious plum crumble came in a blue-trimmed dish with a tiny milk bottle full of custard.
A good meal, then, but it’s hard to know how to categorise Part and Labour. If you live nearby, head down for sure – is it worth trekking across town for? Possibly not. If your family are visiting, stick them in Qbic and meet them there for a meal.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here