Nowadays, it seems like the majority of city-centre restaurants fall under one of three styles. There's the airy, minimalistic space, the cozy, low-lit nook, and of course, the bustling part-eatery, part-bar. While we're fond of all of the above, upon arriving at our recent dining destination, our breath was quite literally taken away. A tranquil oasis lined with elegant palm trees and set beneath an eight-story glass atrium, The Winter Garden Restaurant is a fine-dining experience like no other in London.
Step inside the doors of the Landmark London, a luxury five-star hotel that has been around for 125 years, and as such, an icon of quintessential London charm. This is the home of The Winter Garden Restaurant, where the hotel's opulent flair extends into the restaurant. Make your way up the steps towards the grand piano, which will be gracefully played by a pianist throughout the entirety of your meal. Once nestled into your table for the evening, take a moment to gaze around at the magnificent surroundings in awe, whilst trying in vain to conceal your wonder. The restaurant oozes a sense of sophistication and elegance, a space you can imagine an A-lister celebrity would choose to dine in peace.
In any case, we sat amongst our fellow diners, with an inkling that we were about to embark on one of London's finest-dining experiences.
Former Sous Chef at the Michelin-starred Ritz London, Brian Hennessy is the new Head Chef at Winter Garden. He brings a refined modern European approach to the kitchen, and has introduced a menu that reflects the spectacular setting of one of London’s most distinctive culinary establishments. Inspired by his travels across the globe, the menu of expertly crafted dishes marry classical flavours with modern techniques.
Showcasing his creative flair, starters spotlight seasonal ingredients at their finest. We opted for the fresh, Citrus-Cured Scottish Salmon with Platinum caviar and a miso-buttermilk dressing, as well as the Seared Venison Carpaccio with a smooth Comté cheese, pecan praline, blood orange, and Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar. Wonderfully light and incredibly tasty, they were the sort of dishes that leave you with a certain eagerness for what's to come.
The main courses combine European classics and quality, British produce. After much deliberation, we agreed on the Dover Sole a la Meunière, served off the bone (you'll be pleased to know) and with an anchovy and tarragon butter. Perfectly flaky and moist with a golden exterior, not to mention a very generous portion size! To follow was the Merryfield Duck Breast, a juicy cut in a sweet glaze that perfectly complemented the meat. It was presented on a bed of beetroot, celeriac, cherries, blackberries and caramelised walnuts. As always, a few sides were in order- a bowl of silky, mashed potatoes, and a salad of pear, endive, stilton and walnuts. As you can imagine, we savoured every bite.
To finish, the range of desserts offer a balance of indulgence and refinement. With a basque cheesecake on the menu, it was a no-brainer. A drizzle of blood orange sauce to complement the creamy, caramelised flavours, and each spoonful was an amalgamation of heavenly tastes and a mouth-watering, mouse-like texture.
In order to dilute some of the champagne we simply couldn't resist (in true fine-dining fashion, there's plenty of bottles to choose from), we opted for some teas to finish our lavish meal. Upon the recommendations of our waiter, we tried the Turkish Apple, a succulent and naturally sweet blend made
of high quality dried apples, and a Chamomile, a vanilla-based infusion with calming and digestive properties.
Fully deserving of its two-AA rosette, The Winter Garden Restaurant promises an evening of outstanding fine-dining, beginning the moment you walk through the doors. With a three course set menu offer for just £55, you can undergo the luxurious experience for the price of typical London dining. Why settle for anything less than lavish? Book your table at www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/winter-garden/.
