Restaurant Of The Week: The Strand Dining Rooms

The Strand Dining Rooms – aka the newest addition to London’s dining scene – has many points in its favour: a central London location (the Rat Pack worthy restaurant is situated just off Trafalgar Square in the grandiose Grand Buildings), a majestic setting (all high ceilings and warm woods reminiscent of the interior of a traditional Pullman Coach), terrific service (think warm and efficient in equal measure) and first class food and drink.

For what the kitchen is plating up is as sophisticated as any Soho hotspot… The menu – created by head chef Michael Beugnet (previously at Wotton House Hotel in Surrey and Green’s in St James) is resolutely British – and it’s brilliant. Every dish Haute Time tried was an exercise in perfection and artfully presented.

Highlights include the Heritage beetroot salad with Fletcher’s Berkswell and the Goats cheese croquette with Summer greens salad and raspberry vinaigrette – two delicate starters perfect for the summer season.

Faultless main courses followed: we loved the ‘Saturday special’  – a juicy burger with triple cooked chips –  and the Line caught cod with chive mash, poached eggs and ‘Innis & Gunn’ ale sauce. But don’t leave without ordering the Rhubarb egg custard with shortbread. We’re still raving about it a week on.

The wine list is similarly indulgent – expect an extensive menu conceived by Mark Harris (The Strand Dining Room’s founder who has previously held positions at renowned restaurants, including The Capital Hotel, Simon Parker Bowles’ Green’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar, and Searcy’s at The Gherkin) and specialist wine suppliers, Bibendum Wines, Corney & Barrow, Flint Wines and Decorum Vintners aka The Strand Dining Rooms’ wine team.

Trafalgar Square has always been on the tourist map. Now thanks to this newcomer, it’s on the culinary map too.