Vegan dinner for two might not be a romantic proposition- unless you are both plant lovers of course! But the modern dining room at Urban Retreat in Knightsbridge is actually quite a fetching date destination and you don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy the inventive menu.

I visited with a friend on a chilly February evening and the location, a short walk away from the hubbub of the Harrods corner was a welcome retreat, conveniently located in the Urban Retreat.

Presented with a menu of mouthwatering sounding dishes and a delectable range of cocktails and mocktails, I took my time chatting to the waiter as I waited for my friend. The restaurant, although small, is decidedly mighty, with a menu designed for sharing or building your own feast with an array of sides.

One freshly poured champagne cocktail later (named The Star and a difficult choice from the tempting tarot-card inspired menu) and my friend had arrived, so we tucked into a mouthwatering selection of nibbles for starters, including a very naughty-but-oh-so-delicious hot sourdough bread and truffle butter amuse-bouche.

Normally I have to eliminate the non-meaty items from a menu, and the choice is rather slender, however everything on the Holy Carrot card sounded absolutely delicious, so it seemed reasonable to get a selection of starters to share. We opted for the Kentish potato croquettes which once unleashed were an intriguing lilac shade, and charred tenderstem broccoli, which was crunchy and slightly tangy in equal measure; and together were a divine combination and were the perfect precursor to the main course.

For the mains, it was a toss up between Sexy Tofu, Holy Buffalo Wings or the Aromatic Hot Pot, but we opted for a hearty Shepherd’s Pie made up of black lentils, chestnut mushrooms and thyme gravy, combined with something from the Raw Plate menu: the Holy Maki, which was a colourful combination of sushi rolls which I complemented with a generous serving of charred hispi cabbage. This sizable feast meant my tummy said no to dessert- although the likes of Oat and miso caramel ice cream, Cinnamon crumble, spiced frangipane, frozen coconut yoghurt  and  the Berry Velvet Mousse sounded delicious!

Although we dined quite early, the restaurant was beginning to fill up for the evening, and you can guarantee you’ll find a spot for a gossip or romantic meal; and my friend, who is not vaguely veggie, was tempted to taste plant based in the future!

Holy Carrot

Urban Retreat, 2-4 Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 0LH

Open Tues-Sat, 12-10pm

For more information, check the website or reserve a table here