Colour And Cocktails On Aqua Nueva's Terrace, London

One feels an instant celebrity on entering Aqua Nueva's stylish lobby; the white inlaid circles underfoot reflecting the overhead spotlights. The sense of drama takes on a Spanish theme when confronted by an imposing blue bull jutting from the end wall. Inside, the bar area is more airy than neighbouring scarlet and black sister Kyoto's, though the bowed windows in the restaurant create their fair share of character; the designers having maximised the building's opulent curves. This is where David Yeo introduced the first of his Aqua restaurants, which have elegantly spanned Hong Kong and Beijing in 23 venues since.

Outside, his latest addition, Nueva's Colour Terrace, is a mid-century take on a classic garden. Square bunting (colourful papel picado, a traditional Spanish festival flag), sorbet colours, plentiful cushions and succulents in Tiki style pots create a laid-back feel, belying the fact that we're hovering above London's Regent St. Amongst the pastel colours of the cushions shines the unmistakeable deep yellow of Veuve Cliquot, sunnily reminding us to get busy and taste their champagne cocktails.https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/10-champagnes...t.../slide-19

First up is Jordi's Flower, a gorgeous short served in a champagne saucer. The sweetness of pomegranate, elderflower perfectly offset by pink grapefruit juice, champagne and lemon. The drink's boozy depth is provided by Johnnie Walker Black https://www.thedailymeal.com/6-things-you-didn-t-know-about-johnnie- walker and a nod to its name by a floating yellow viola. St Jordi (St George) is the patron saint of Catalonia, who is celebrated there every April by couples giving one another roses or books. As Aqua Nueva specialises in the cuisine of Northern Spain, https://www.thedailymeal.com/.../catalonia-recipes-barcelona-and-beyond it seems the most fitting way to begin the evening.

Crisp spinach and chickpea croquettes, spoonfuls of delicate white asparagus on avocado mousse bejewelled with gazpacho and tender beef skewers zinging with paprika accompany the cocktail perfectly.

Next is Boulevard, a long drink, but no less delicious. Again, the sweet and sharp flavours are balanced well – peach liqueur, sloe gin, Piedmont vermouth and plenty of ice, vivified by champagne and fresh blueberries in a large goblet glass.

As the summer evening's warm breeze drifts across the terrace to cool Mediterranean beats, one feels the beach or pool can only be a short step away. This conceit is sustained with seaside treats: succulent prawns with aioli in a squid ink tartlet and tuna bites made fiery with wasabi-hot mustard. And yet, all too soon, a lift descent and a few short steps take one back to the bustling heart of Oxford Circus.

The Colour Terrace is available for escape until the end of summer

Aqua Nueva, 240 Regent St, Soho, London W1B 3BR

(entrance at 30 Argyll St)

020 7478 0540 aquanueva.co.uk

reservations@aqua-london.com