The freshest catch of the day
Set in a beautifully designed all-day dining room accented with subtle shades of blues and greens, bronze and Carrara marble – plus antique mirrors reflecting the Docks – this new seafood restaurant features an ever-changing menu to reflect the ever-changing daily catch, and the Docks themselves, as vessels come and go.
Rather than sourcing their fresh fish from markets, Kyriakou and Mundford work with around 15 skippers across the British Isles, so diners know that the daily offering is shaped solely by what these seasoned fishermen find.
Which leads us to how the pair chose their name. A Melusine is a female freshwater spirit in European folklore, dating back to the late Middle Ages, and often depicted as a two-tailed mermaid. The point being, that when encountered, these creatures were both unexpected and unforgettable – the ethos that has shaped this addition to London’s super-fresh seafood scene.
Start with generous sharing plates including langoustine with jalapeño aioli, scallops with fava and charred spring onions, and salmon rillettes with horseradish, or choose from a wonderful raw bar menu offering freshly shucked rock and native oysters, sea urchins and clams. Afterwards, tuck into the catch of the day, and whole fish ordered by weight, served poached, grilled or roasted. The majority of the menu is gluten-free, and the team are happy to adapt dishes to make them vegetarian or vegan where possible.
The drinks menu unsurprisingly features a good number of wonderful whites, including a homegrown sparkling variety from Sussex. Also expect some twists on classic cocktails and a selection of beers from Fourpure, based just over the river in Bermondsey.
Inspired by its new dockside digs, The Melusine will serve diners throughout the day, every day, from the beginning of December. In this intimate setting, with just 40 covers and a further 20 extending onto the outdoor terrace when the temperatures start to rise, it will be the simplicity of the freshest of fish that is sure to be the star turn.
So embrace the unexpected and try whatever the catch of the day brings for a relaxed meal as you take in the ships docked in St. Katharine Docks’ stunning marina.