The entrance to Aquum in Clapham feels like you are going for a drink in a bar on the Mykonos strip.
And by the end of the night we were full to the brim with truly great Greek food with a modern twist.
Focaccia bread (£3.50) to start the meal is never really necessary, only really ordered when you simply cannot wait for your meal, but in this case it is a must.
The light cake-like, spongy dough, salty soft with olives and tomatoes was a legitimate course in its own right, especially when paired with the cool creamy taste of homemade tzatziki (£4) and aubergine (£4) sides.
Before anymore food came out, it was time for cocktails.
The first round consisted of a Pineapple Bellini (£10) and a Birthday Sex (£12.50).
The Bellini was a playful twist and a sensible choice ordered by my girlfriend while I chose the braver Jerimih inspired drink that was essentially an alcoholic desert through a straw – accurately described as a ‘birthday cake in a glass’. I loved it.
A few sips into my cake, sorry cocktail, and the main attractions started to arrive.
A Halloumi Martini (£5.50), Courgette Pancakes (£5), Pastichada Ravioli (£5.50) and a Spinach Pie (£5) arrived to hungry faces.
Hello halloumi! For all you halloumi lovers out there, look no further than one of Aquum’s signature dishes.
Presented in a martini glass, you would be fooled into thinking you had ordered a James Bond classic, but this gem of a creation will leave your mouth both shaken and stirred.
Instead of martini your taste buds go wild for an incredibly thin but powerful home-made tomato sauce.
And this isn’t even the best bit. Halloumi instead of olives as the garnish makes this a truly special and delicious treat to start your meal.
The Spinach Pie brought a slight comedown to the table – not particularly spectacular or memorable but you can’t jazz up everything.
As soon as I saw Courgette Pancakes on the menu I was intrigued and they did not disappoint.
Crispy on the outside but immediately soft on the first bite, they were packed with a recognisable Greek punchy flavour.
The veal ravioli, a curious choice in a modern Greek restaurant, and, on reflection, not my best.
Strong flavours but I’ll tell you now, if you want pasta, go to an Italian restaurant, for there are better dishes on this menu.
Next up was the star of the show, the Slow Cooked Pork Belly Souvlaki (£6.50) and the Mediterranean Sea Bass (£14).
The souvlaki belonged to my girlfriend and judging by her reaction I would not be surprised if at some point in the next few weeks I receive a text saying ‘I’ve ran away with the souvlaki.’
I managed to secure a tiny bite of the pork but in her words: “The pork was beautiful and soft, the sauce and fresh tomatoes were simply scrumptious and both an indulgent but reasonable portion for £6.50.”
The sea bass was perfectly cooked, light and fresh like all sea bass should be.
Once again, the tasty tomatoes on the side proved a winner, properly cooked and clearly fresh.
Next up was more dessert and cocktails.
After all of that food it would take something special to wobble me but the Carribean Cooler cocktail (£9) certainly did its best – an amazing rum punch.
Pudding time! Galaktompoureko (£6.50) was recommended by our charming and friendly waitress Deana, a traditional Greek dessert made up of vanilla mouse, berries and wafer like biscuits. A simple and yummy pudding and plenty of it.
The king of the deserts was the deconstructed banana cheesecake (£6.50).
You can’t go wrong with cheesecake in my eyes but this was both light and delicious, which can’t always be said of a cheesecake.
Presented in its singular elements, the crumb, the toffee sauce and filling went wonderfully together and did not leave me in the foetal position full of regret at my own greed.
There’s something for everyone at Aquum and if you prefer to eat at home and party later, the venue is more known for its late night extravaganzas.
