While our fellow Londoners soaked up the Bank Holiday sun, along with copious amounts of Pimms, we were on a work mission to scope out exciting new venues for our clients. Fine work indeed! Especially as we got to sample the Sagardi experience for ourselves. We were welcomed with a cool glass of natural cider before we got stuck into some serious research.

Sagardi Basque Country Chefs brings the much loved seasonal freshness and charcoal grill cuisine of the Basque region to the trendy heart of Shoreditch. This handsome, laid back space marries rich wooden tables with tall glass displays, showcasing prime aged beef and some of the finest wines we’ve tasted (more on that shortly). A cute Pincho bar sits at the front of house, offering a great spot for a quick bite. The huge charcoal grill room takes centre stage and the aroma of flame grilled steaks made us salivate. We took a tour of the venue and were inspired by its versatility. The spacious restaurant has capacity for groups of all sizes. At basement level they boast a huge private space which can be partitioned for more intimate events. The projector and boardroom style tables are fit for meetings and banquets alike. Our host explained that some guests start with a morning meeting and stay on well into the evening. After tasting their hospitality, we’re not surprised.
We were treated to a tour of gastronomic excellence, delicious courses cooked by expert chef Josef and harmoniously paired with amazing wines selected by our skilled and attentive host. The Txistorra sausage was delightful, as was the fresh mackerel paired with an exquisite Terra De Godos white. The red Tuna tartare was presented as the best in London and having tasted it, we’re inclined to agree. Crowned with Ibarra peppers and matched with a fabulous Pagos De Araiz Rose, we were in heaven.

We've tried the white asparagus and artichokes grilled with ham, each savoury mouthful more satisfying than the last. As we enjoyed these dishes, we got to watch the showpiece of the meal being prepared above the lapping flames of the grill. Sagardi choose prime beef from 6 year old cattle, ageing each cut for different periods (5 weeks in our case). Salted, seared and sliced from the bone, this stunningly delicious steak will be remembered for many meals to come. After a selection of artisan cheeses and a traditional warm strawberry dessert for a sweet finish, we were more that satisfied, yet already planning the next visit. This was a truly wonderful dining experience.

If you’re planning an office party, corporate dinner or a feast with friends, get in touch with us and we’ll find the best venue for your event.