Porte Noire: A Culinary Gem in King's Cross
King's Cross, London, is home to many hidden treasures, and Porte Noire is certainly one of them. This elegant restaurant and wine bar, located in the iconic Gasholder Building, offers a unique blend of French-inspired cuisine and an impressive selection of wines from around the world.
Porte Noire brings the essence of French dining to London with its menu of sharing plates. Each dish is crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavourful experience. The concept of "Bistronomique" dining combines high-quality food with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Wine is at the heart of Porte Noire. The bar boasts a diverse selection of wines, ranging from natural and artisanal varieties to aged and rare fine wines. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, there's something to suit every palate. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer recommendations and guide you through their impressive wine list and the visit isn’t complete without a bit of time in the wine room, perusing the fine wines to enjoy with dinner or to take home.
The Gasholder Building, with its distinctive metallic structure, provides a stunning backdrop for Porte Noire. The terrace, overlooking the canal, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Porte Noire is more than just a restaurant and wine bar; it's a buzzing community hub. Co-founded by actor Idris Elba and wine expert David Farber, the venue was envisioned as a place where people could come together to share stories and celebrate life's moments. This vision is reflected in every aspect of Porte Noire, from the warm and welcoming atmosphere to the carefully selected wines and dishes.
The name "Porte Noire" was inspired by a visit to the prestigious Sanger viticultural school in Champagne, France, by Idris Elba and David Farber. Their shared passion for wine led them to create a brand that embodies the elegance and depth of fine wines.
Porte Noire's commitment to culinary excellence has been recognized with two AA Rosettes, celebrating its high-quality food and exceptional dining experiences.
Bar at King’s Cross - Porte Noire
Porte Noire La Petite Porte
Whilst reviewing the menu and deciding what to eat we enjoyed a glass of Porte Noire La Petite Porte. This champagne is a Blanc de Blancs, 100% Chardonnay with a base vintage of 2015. Its super refreshing, full of citrus and floral notes, well balanced and a wonderful minerality.
Spoilt for choice, we decided on sharing two exquisite starters: the Red Shrimp Tartare with Stracciatella and Tomato Emulsion, and the Mushroom Parfait with Shiitake and Grilled Bread.
Champagne Petite Porte Extra Brut by Idris Elba, Avize, France NV - Porte Noire
Viñátigo Listán Blanco de Canarias 2023
The Red Shrimp Tartare was a refreshing and vibrant dish. The shrimp was incredibly fresh, finely chopped, and seasoned to perfection. The addition of creamy stracciatella cheese added a luxurious texture, while the tomato emulsion provided a burst of tangy flavour that complemented the sweetness of the shrimp. Each bite was a delightful balance of flavours and textures, making it a standout starter. This dish was paired with Viñátigo Listán Blanco de Canarias 2023, a captivating white wine that embodies the unique character of the Canary Islands. This wine is made from the Listán Blanco grape, also known as Palomino. The vineyards are located at high altitudes on the volcanic soils of the Ycoden-Daute-Isora region. The vines are trained using a traditional method that allows them to thrive in the challenging terrain created by volcanic activity. This unique environment imparts distinctive qualities to the grapes, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and complex.
It's a light-bodied, dry white wine with vibrant acidity. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of fennel, dried fruits, and fig leaves, along with a subtle mineral undertone. The palate is fresh and lively, featuring flavours of pear, guava, and lemon. A hint of yeastiness adds depth to the wine, reminiscent of fino sherry. The crisp and slightly salty finish makes it an excellent companion for seafood dishes.
Culombu 2023 by Etienne Suzzoni
The Mushroom Parfait was equally impressive. The rich, earthy flavours of the mushroom parfait were beautifully enhanced by the addition of shiitake mushrooms. The parfait was smooth and creamy, with a depth of flavour that was both comforting and sophisticated. Served with perfectly grilled bread, this dish was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The crispy bread provided the perfect vehicle for the creamy parfait, making each bite a satisfying experience. This dish was accompanied by the Culombu 2023 by Etienne Suzzoni. A white wine that beautifully showcases the unique terroir of the Corse Calvi appellation in Corsica. Crafted with passion and expertise, this wine reflects the dedication of winemaker Etienne Suzzoni, who is committed to producing high-quality wines that express the character of the island.
This wine is made from the Vermentinu grape (also known as Vermentino in other regions), a variety native to Corsica. The vineyards are located in the picturesque region of Lumio, where the vines thrive in the island's distinctive volcanic soils. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested to ensure optimal ripeness. The winemaking process involves gentle pressing and fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fresh and vibrant qualities of the grape. The wine is then aged for a short period to enhance its complexity and depth.
The Culombu 2023 is a generous and refined white wine with a vibrant and fresh profile. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of white flowers, exotic fruits, and a hint of anise. The palate is round and sharp, featuring flavours of pear, citrus, and a subtle minerality that reflects the volcanic terroir. The wine's crisp acidity and elegant structure lead to a refreshing and lingering finish, making it a delightful choice for a variety of dishes.
Braghé 2022 by Claudio Mariotto
For our main course we shared the beef short ribs which were slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in meat that was incredibly tender and fell off the bone effortlessly. The marinade, a blend of traditional French herbs and spices, infuses the meat with a deep, savoury flavour. Each bite was a harmonious mix of smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy notes, making it a memorable dish that leaves a lasting impression. We paired this win Braghé 2022 by Claudio Mariotto. A captivating red wine that beautifully represents the unique terroir of the Colli Tortonesi region in Piedmont, Italy.
It's made from the Freisa grape, a native variety of Piedmont. The vineyards are located in the Braghé area near Bricco San Michele, where the vines thrive in clay and limestone soils. The grapes are hand-harvested in early October, ensuring optimal ripeness. The winemaking process involves a short maceration period of 4 to 5 days with pump-overs, followed by spontaneous fermentation in cement tanks. The wine is then aged in tonneaux or barriques for at least one year, allowing it to develop its complex character.
The Braghé 2022 is a medium-bodied red wine with a vibrant and fresh profile. On the nose, it offers elegant aromas of raspberry, morello cherry, and subtle floral notes. The palate is lively and well-balanced, with flavours of juicy red berries, a hint of earthiness, and a touch of spice. The wine's smooth tannins and bright acidity lead to a persistent and refreshing finish, making it a delightful choice for a variety of dishes.
And for the grand finale, we kept is simple but elegant with the Affogato. It simply features a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which is then drenched in a shot of hot espresso. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the warm coffee creates a delightful interplay of temperatures and textures. The addition of Amaretto, a sweet almond-flavoured liqueur, adds a nutty richness that complements the bold coffee flavours. Each spoonful is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and slightly bitter notes, making it a truly indulgent dessert.
Porte Noire takes pride in the presentation of their dishes, and the Affogato is no exception. The dessert is served in a stylish glass, allowing you to see the beautiful layers of ice cream, espresso, and Amaretto. The visual appeal is enhanced by a garnish of crushed almonds or a biscotti on the side, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.
The Porte Noire Affogato with Amaretto is a delightful way to conclude your dining experience. The combination of rich flavours and elegant presentation makes this dessert a favourite among patrons. Whether you're a coffee lover or simply enjoy a sweet treat, this Affogato is sure to impress.
The Porte Noire Cognac
I couldn’t resist finishing the evening with the recently launched Porte Noire Cognac. The Porte Noire Cognac is a sophisticated spirit that perfectly complements the refined dining experience at Porte Noire. Co-founded by actor Idris Elba and crafted in collaboration with Maison Ferrand, this cognac is a testament to fine craftsmanship and luxury.
Porte Noire Cognac is produced by Maison Ferrand, one of the most esteemed boutique spirit producers in the Cognac region of France. The cognac is crafted at the beautiful 18th Century Château de Bonbonnet, which is renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition. Classified as a VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend has been aged for a minimum of four years in French oak barrels. This aging process ensures a balanced complexity, marrying youthful vigour with mature depth.
The Porte Noire Cognac offers a rich and smooth flavour profile that is both complex and accessible. On the nose, it presents aromas of dried apricot and vanilla intertwined with subtle oak. The palate reveals hints of honey and caramel, providing a silky-smooth texture. Additional notes of tobacco and leather add depth and sophistication to the experience. The finish is lingering and intense, balancing elegance with a lasting impression.
PORTE NOIRE COGNAC VSOP - Porte Noire
Unlike many celebrities who just put their name to a wine or spirit, I realised first hand when talking to Idris that he is breaking the mould and is genuinely involved in the product and brand creation and really understands and appreciate the winemaking process. But even if he didn’t, he’s one of the coolest and loveable guys you could meet.
Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely brunch, a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends, Porte Noire is the perfect destination. With its combination of exquisite food, exceptional wine, and a unique setting, it's no wonder that Porte Noire has become a beloved spot in King's Cross.
