Carousel presents Shaun Presland, London: restaurant review

As with all residencies at Carousel, there is a set five-course menu, with the option of adding two extra courses.

The menu starts with a generous seven-piece sashimi appetiser, including salmon, bream and Hiramasa Kingfish that Shaun has personally sourced from South Australia. The tartare is excellent – pearly pieces of scallop, fresh salmon and creamy avocado with a tangy coriander and orange infused ponzu dressing and a drizzle of truffle oil.

Crispy skin Hiramasa Kingfish is the main dish, with a ginger teriyaki glaze and a fine leek tempura wrapped in nori seaweed to contrast the soft texture of the fish. Chirashi (scattered) sushi rounds up the savoury courses, along with a comforting bowl of miso soup. The tiny chocolate bubble tea dessert was a clever finish – chocolate butterscotch mousse with hidden pistachios and a layer of pearly bubbles for that surprise element.

The optional courses are both worth ordering. The first is ‘Mushimono’ – Chinese inspired steamed prawn Shumai dumplings with spicy ponzu and shredded gyoza skins. The only meat course is also worth the extra expense... melt-in-the-mouth seared beef tenderloin, with tangy ginger soy dressing and fried garlic chips for a crisp-sweet topping.

What we liked

The open kitchen, friendly staff and communal seating on two long wooden tables made us feel like we were at a friend’s house for dinner. We chatted to the couple next to us, and all around us strangers were doing the same.

We also loved the Presco Goose cocktail - Grey Goose vodka, grapefruit juice and yuzu shaken and poured over crushed ice, sweetened with sugar around the rim.