Harden's survey result
Summary
The “most enchanting setting” – “an out-of-this-world conversion of an old church” (to be precise, the chapel of a Victorian school) – makes the Galvin Bros’ Spitalfields HQ one of London’s most “beautiful” restaurants. It provides a “special” backdrop “for keen business deals, or to impress your new love-interest” (and is “a particular attraction for guests from overseas”). There are “high standards across the board”, including “fantastic” modern French cuisine; a “classy wine list”; and “smart, swift, discreet service”.
Summary
The “exciting and gorgeous” setting (a “spectacular” conversion of a Victorian school chapel) helps create “a certain aura” – fitting both romantic dinners and power lunching – at the Galvin Bros’ Spitalfields fixture. Its “fabulous standard” of modern French cuisine and “professional but easy-going service” won it more consistent praise this year as one of the best all-rounders in the City, and, some would say, in town.
Summary
“A sumptuous and dramatic setting” – the “elegant” conversion of a Victorian school chapel – provides “one of the best dining rooms in London” at the Galvin’s celebrated Spitalfields fixture. At its best it’s still a “fabulous all-rounder” for business or pleasure, with “superb French food, served with flair”. Its ratings have slipped in the last couple of years however – “disjointed service” is the biggest bugbear.
Summary
“The breathtaking architecture of the building” – “a beautiful, cathedral-like space” created from the “clever conversion of a Victorian school chapel” – creates a “magnificent” setting for the Galvin brothers’ well-known venture, near Spitalfields. At its best, this is one of London’s most “memorable” all-rounders (particularly for business) combining “smooth” service and “subtle cuisine” into a “sumptuous” overall offering. Performance was less consistent this year however, with reports of “over-stretched if well-intentioned” service, and “uneven” culinary results.
Owner's description
Chef Patron Jeff Galvin consistently provides a menu of modern French cuisine gaining a Michelin star in the 2011 Red Guide - an impressive one year after the restaurant opened. The service under the direction of Alessandro Piombino and his team effortlessly combines warm, friendly and attentive hospitality with a fine sense of tradition and decorum in keeping with the grandeur of the building.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SundayLunch | £38.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £19.50 | £32.00 | £13.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.95 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
Galvin La Chapelle Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Classic French food perfectly cooked, superb service and a wonderful setting. Even if you go on a cheap lunchtime deal you're treated like someone special."
"One of my favourite London eateries, notably their relaxed Sunday lunch service. Not a single thing out of place except the cheeky mark up for a bottle of English fizz. But the overall experience was so enjoyable, I'll forgive them!"
"Lovely service. Single diners are often treated as also-rans in restaurants but not here. So perhaps the rest of the dining experience is elevated- but then it should be. The lasagne of lobster as perfect as before; the kind of dish you pay restaurant prices for because never in my own (quite good standard cuisine) kitchen. Duck main course precise and exactly what was expected and as such correct, but with a revelatory red cabbage purée - who ever though of that obvious riff? Yes, I enjoyed. And great wines. "
"We went for set Sunday lunch. The bread and the starters (duck liver pate and mackerel) were good. The mains were pork belly and roast beef, with the trimmings. I took the gravy from the waitress and poured it all over my beef and (large) Yorkshire pudding, only to be told that she was planning to use the same gravy for my husband's pork. My plateful of food was lukewarm, even the roast potatoes, but the flavour was great, as was the pork. No-on enquired about the main course until they cleared the plates. I mentioned it then, and the maitre-D came over and apologised profusely. We ended up being given a free glass of dessert wine, tea and coffee and marshmallows to join the excellent blackberry fruit jelly and the chocolate and salted-caramel truffles. The dessert - a strawberry tart, was also excellent. Altogether, they certainly made up for my lukewarm main course."
"My wife's favourite restaurant, always a lovely place to go. Lovely lunch in a brillinat room."
"The most perfect setting for a special occasion. No matter where you sit you will have a beautiful view of the historic building. The quality of the beautifully presented food is quite exceptional with most friendly helpful staff to complete a perfect dining experience."
"We had a special truffle menu which was interesting and exquisite with a good set of wines in the pairing. Service was good with the exception of late delivery of bread. The room is very atmospheric but proximity to a computer terminal was not ideal"
"Great setting with sympathetic restoration. Assiette of veal was a highlight as was Dorset crab lasagne starter. Service good and not unduly overbearing."
35 Spital Sq, London, E1 6DY
| Number of Diners: | |
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Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-2:30 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-2:30 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-2:30 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-3 pm, 6 pm-9 pm |
