Don’t worry, they’re just for decoration: Vintage oil cans in Refuel at the Soho Hotel

For special occasions, I always like to amp up the budget and treat myself to a posh meal. As a close friend had her birthday this week, we decided to celebrate with dinner at Refuel at the Soho Hotel. Situated in a mews off Dean Street, the Soho Hotel is a quiet and relaxing sanctum away from the crazy bustle of Soho. Although quite large, the hotel has a boutique feel to it with its contemporary and welcoming interiors.

Refuel itself is situated on the ground floor, with the windows looking out over the mews. A large, modern and airy restaurant, it plays on its title with vintage, American-style oil cans on the shelves. Our party of six were presented with a large round table with comfortable seating and low-level lighting, giving a relaxed vibe. Although the A La Carte menu ranged from around £17-£35 for main courses, we had booked through TopTable with a very good value deal of 2 courses with a glass of wine £14.95 from a set menu, or three courses for £17.95.

Sumptuous: Mussels to start (left) and pan-seared salmon with leeks for main (right)

And for dessert… Fruit pudding and custard (left) or cupcake and ice cream

View: Many of the tables overlook the mews so you can people watch

The set menu for the offer was obviously limited, but vegetarians, fish eaters and carnivores were all catered for. I opted for a starter of mussels with a slightly spicy sauce, followed by pan-fried salmon and leeks for main (and creamy mashed potato on the side), and fruit pudding and custard to finish. All three courses were delicious and I particularly loved the fruit pudding, which tasted incredibly similar to Christmas pudding, which I feel I didn’t eat enough of last Christmas!

We had a choice of glasses of house white or red for the offer, but also ordered two bottles of wine off the extensive wine list.  I particularly enjoyed the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT Rosé from Trento, Italy.

Refuel prides itself on offering a modern and international menu with an emphasis on organic, fresh and seasonal produce and it did not disappoint. The service was friendly and attentive, with the waiters offering to take our photos to commemorate the occasion. Compared to other hotel restaurants which can be stuffy or lacking in atmosphere, Refuel didn’t feel like it was in a hotel at all as its personality was so separate from the hotel. I would definitely recommend for a special occasion, or even just pop in for a cocktail if you happen to be in Soho.

• Refuel is at the Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews (off Dean Street), Soho, W1D 3DH. Nearest tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road. For more information and reservations, visit the Firmdale Hotels website.

For contents of all Metro Girl’s bar and restaurant reviews, visit our reviews page.

Comfortable: The low-level seating and cushioned chairs give the eaterie a cosy, relaxed vibe

That’s my name, don’t wear it out: Soho sign in the hotel lobby