Herts &amp; Beds

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_169_LR-OMBOO-1000x667.jpg" alt="Omboo restaurant" class="wp-image-74273" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_169_LR-OMBOO-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_169_LR-OMBOO-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_169_LR-OMBOO-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_169_LR-OMBOO.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The newest dining offering to come to boutique hotel <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/sopwell-house-stalbans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sopwell House</a> on the outskirts of St Albans, Omboo only opened in July. It replaced the hotel&#8217;s more traditional restaurant in a bid to bring something different, not only to those checking in for a stay, but to draw foodies from near and far. While guests have the choice between this and the informal brasserie at the hotel, Omboo is certainly a restaurant in its own right, thanks to its sophisticated Asian fusion cuisine, that may well be unmatched this side of London (in my humble opinion). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="569" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Sopwell-house-New-External-Hero-Cropped-1000x569.jpg" alt="Sopwell House" class="wp-image-74274" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Sopwell-house-New-External-Hero-Cropped-1000x569.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Sopwell-house-New-External-Hero-Cropped-800x455.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Sopwell-house-New-External-Hero-Cropped-900x512.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Sopwell-house-New-External-Hero-Cropped.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



On that note, Londoners can hop on a train at St Pancras and be in St Albans within the half hour, although the hotel itself is just outside the city, but a cab will whizz you there from the station in a cool seven minutes. If you&#8217;re driving from elsewhere, you might be tempted to book in for the night to make the most of the Omboo experience (you really won&#8217;t want to forgo a cocktail or two!). 



Having had a sneak preview of some of the vibrant Asian dishes at Sopwell&#8217;s summer party earlier this year, I couldn&#8217;t wait to nab a table there and get stuck in to the full menu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_139_LR-OMBOO-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Omboo restaurant" class="wp-image-74280" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_139_LR-OMBOO-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_139_LR-OMBOO-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_139_LR-OMBOO-1-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Restaurant_Night_139_LR-OMBOO-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



With its exotic décor &#8211; think maximalist wallpaper and oversized tropical flowers &#8211; it&#8217;s got something of a White Lotus (S1) vibe to it, with plenty of Insta fodder for your feed. The low lighting and electro house soundtrack added a boujee feel as hotel guests donning everything from luxe athleisure wear to slick designer heels and handbags were ushered to their tables. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-chair-KHL-750x1000.jpg" alt="Omboo restaurant" class="wp-image-74276" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-chair-KHL-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-chair-KHL-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-chair-KHL-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-chair-KHL-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-chair-KHL.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



Though the ceilings are sky high, it felt intimate and cosy, and the staff managed to nail that holy grail of service &#8211; attentive and informed yet completely unstuffy. Our table was for 8pm but diners were still arriving after 9 and while we were there for nearly three hours, it didn&#8217;t feel too long as the service was expertly-paced. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-table-KHL-750x1000.jpg" alt="Omboo restaurant" class="wp-image-74277" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-table-KHL-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-table-KHL-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-table-KHL-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-table-KHL-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-table-KHL.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



You&#8217;re in for a treat as Executive Chef, Derrick Chen comes with 20 years&#8217; experience from the likes of Michelin-starred Hakkasan and The Four Seasons Hotel in London. The menu is completely intriguing and is inspired by the ancient spice routes, so you&#8217;ll find a fusion feel to the dishes and you might want to brush up on your sushi lingo first (what&#8217;s the difference between sashimi and nigiri again?). The concept is all about sharing and there are no starters &#8211; everything just comes when it&#8217;s ready. We ordered some spicy seaweed and edamame nibbles to buy us some time to digest the options. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Mains_167_LR_Fotor-1000x1000.jpg" alt="sushi sashimi at Omboo restaurant" class="wp-image-74278" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Mains_167_LR_Fotor-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Mains_167_LR_Fotor-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Mains_167_LR_Fotor-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Mains_167_LR_Fotor-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Mains_167_LR_Fotor-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Mains_167_LR_Fotor-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-22-03-16-Sopwell-House_Mains_167_LR_Fotor.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Our waitress advised us to order around four dishes each to share and explained that they usually serve dishes from the left side of the menu first then move on to the right &#8211; good info for helping us to balance our meal. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cocktail-750x1000.jpg" alt="cocktail omboo restaurant" class="wp-image-74281" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cocktail-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cocktail-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cocktail-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cocktail-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cocktail.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



Naturally I had to sample the cocktails. My Aux Litchi Libation combined sweet lychee puree with Japanese Haku vodka, and a sharp twist of elderflower and lime, topped with fragrant rose petals (I want it bottled and delivered to my door every Friday night, please!). The flavours married so beautifully with the heady Asian spices in a way that wine just wouldn&#8217;t do them justice and, glancing around the restaurant, cocktails were definitely the order of the day &#8211; although a curated wine, sake and beer list was available, too. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/omboo-food-khl-750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/omboo-food-khl-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/omboo-food-khl-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/omboo-food-khl-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/omboo-food-khl-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/omboo-food-khl.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



Being vegetarian I was concerned there wouldn&#8217;t be enough choice for me, but there was at least one fish and meat free dish from each section of the menu. We opted for the Shitake truffle spring rolls (earthy and rich), vegetable tempura (light and crisp) and the most delicious spinach salad you&#8217;ll ever eat (I know, but trust me on this one) in an umami-packed sesame dressing with piquant pickled seaweed. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Avocado-sushi-omboo-restaurant-750x1000.jpg" alt="Avocado sushi rolls omboo" class="wp-image-74283" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Avocado-sushi-omboo-restaurant-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Avocado-sushi-omboo-restaurant-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Avocado-sushi-omboo-restaurant-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Avocado-sushi-omboo-restaurant-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Avocado-sushi-omboo-restaurant.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



From the Sushi Sashimi menu I picked the Avocado Rolls which, with 12 pieces, were perfect for sharing and tasted fresh and light. My husband couldn&#8217;t avert his eyes from the Seared Japanese A5 grade Wagyu, and while some might take a sharp intake of breath at the £25 price tag for a few delicate slivers, he assured me that it was worth it. Said slivers were served on a stunningly presented platter in a wasabi ponzu sauce that paid due reverence to this finest of ingredients. My husband made all the right sounds about the Ginger Soy Ribeye Skewers, too, but the Miso-Glazed Black Cod was his standout from the Farm and Ocean sections of the menu &#8211; softly flaking on the chopsticks with a delicate flavour, and while it was another of the more expensive dishes, it was decent sized portion, equivalent to a light main. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dishes-KHL-1000x750.jpg" alt="Omboo Asian dishes" class="wp-image-74285" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dishes-KHL-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dishes-KHL-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dishes-KHL-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dishes-KHL.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



For myself, the Field menu had some good veggie choices. I opted for the Warm Aubergine with sweet chilli, plus the Omboo Fried Rice with asparagus and edamame. The aubergine was cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth with not a smidge of the greasiness that it can take on if not prepped by a consumate pro. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cod-and-aubergine-KHL-750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74286" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cod-and-aubergine-KHL-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cod-and-aubergine-KHL-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cod-and-aubergine-KHL-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cod-and-aubergine-KHL-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-cod-and-aubergine-KHL.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



To finish, there was a selection of beautifully paired puds, which reflected the elegant flavours of the savoury dishes. I plumped for the Mango and Lime Leaf Parfait with a green tea jelly and pistachio tuile &#8211; subtly fruity and creamy enough without being overpowering or filling. Meanwhile my husband made a beeline for the Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with yuzu ice cream, which was rich and indulgent, cut through by the sharpness of yuzu. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dessert-750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74289" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dessert-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dessert-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dessert-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dessert-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/Omboo-dessert.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



While it sounds like a LOT of food, we ordered the right amount due to the thoughtfully considered portion sizes, which are obviously designed to be shared, so you can try a little of everything. We were replete as we devoured the last mouthfuls, but it was refreshing not to feel heavy and uncomfortable, thanks to the fresh, clean ingredients and vibrant flavour combinations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



GOOD FOR: Sushi lovers and adventurous foodies looking for a special occasion spot to impress. Perfect for couples and celebrations with friends (there&#8217;s a private dining area for parties of 8 &#8211; 12 with sliding partitions, which can be left open to soak up the atmos from the restaurant or closed for complete privacy). 



NOT FOR: Those with simple tastes might struggle to find something on the menu to suit them (freshwater eel isn&#8217;t up everyone&#8217;s street!), and I wouldn&#8217;t bring the kids here &#8211; it&#8217;s very much geared for adult palettes and feels too sacred an experience (parents &#8211; you&#8217;ll know what I mean!) to be tarnished by low-flying crayons and wriggly bottoms. Plus it&#8217;s only open for dinner so don&#8217;t rock up at lunchtime, or you&#8217;ll go hungry!



THE DAMAGE: Nibbles, small bites and 2 pieces of sushi start at £5-£8, while you can fork out £100 for a 24 piece Omboo Sashimi / nigiri platter. In the field, farm and ocean sections of the menu, dishes start at the £10 mark, but you&#8217;re looking at a punchy £48 for the Hot Stone Wagyu (the most expensive item on the menu). Our meal for two with a cocktail each, would have come in at around £200 which is what I&#8217;d expect for a London-level special occasion dinner. If you book the private dining area there&#8217;s a set menu for £70 per head, which sounds reasonable, especially if you want the experts to choose for you. 



<a href="https://www.sopwellhouse.co.uk/omboo-dining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omboo at Sopwell House</a>, Cottonmill Ln, St Albans AL1 2HQ, 01727 864477; 6.30 &#8211; 10.30pm, Wednesday – Sunday.

Review: Omboo at Sopwell House, St Albans

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