Restaurant Review: The Brass Rail At Selfridges

Shopping in Selfridges – voted the Best Department Store in the World – this Saturday? When you need a break between browsing, indulge in a (not so light) bite in The Brass Rail.  Selfridges’ heritage salt beef bar, which launched in 1966, has reopened with a new look and expanded menu.

On arrival, chances are you’ll be dazzled by the display of Salt beef sandwiches such as Brass Rail Reuben (200g of succulent salt beef, sauerkraut, gherkins, melted Swiss cheese served on Marbled rye & Caraway bread) and Bialy Roll (a towering pulled hot salt beef sandwich with melted Swiss cheese, gherkin, gem lettuce and exclusive Brass Rail relish), Carrot cake and other calorie-laden, creamy treats.

Once you’ve managed to drag yourself away from the counter, sink into a well upholstered red banquette, soak up the buzzy atmosphere (on our last visit, the Brass Rail was as busy as a bookie’s on Grand National Day) and wait for your goodies to arrive.

In addition to a the sumptuous section of Salt beef sandwiches, there’s also a good choice of salads (try the Broccoli, lentils, bulgar wheat, sunflower seeds and pomegranate salad) and specials such as the made to order Mac and cheese which, with its cheesy béchamel sauce, is addiction on a plate. You’ll hate yourself as you hoover it…

To drink, it’s got to be coffee. (Although it’s only been open a few weeks the new incarnation of Brass Rail has already developed a reputation as a coffee connoisseur’s paradise thanks to its partnership with Origin coffee). Don’t miss the exclusive coffee blend, provided by the Mierisch family in Nicaragua.

Sure the cost of coffee and cake or a Salt beef sarnie and salad can be pricier than other places on Oxford Street but it is special and staff are utterly charming. For exceptional salt beef in an elegant setting, head here.