Harden's survey result
For 25 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. This year diners have submitted over 60,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK.
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.
Summary
“To impress a client or date”, you can’t beat the “gorgeous” and “dramatic” setting of the Galvin brothers Spitalfields venture (“like eating in a minor cathedral”); it’s a “very slick operation” all round, with “classic, not overly fussy” Gallic cuisine and “top notch” service.
Summary
“A simply spectacular experience”; the Galvin brothers’ “superlative” venture occupies a “stunning” cathedral-like Spitalfields hall; its “superb” Gallic dishes and “smooth” service make it a splendid choice for a business or romantic occasion.
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.
Restaurant details
Galvin La Chapelle Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Amazing church conversion"
"When a dish is great, you know it instantly. And that's the case with the Lasagne of Dorset Crab. Quite outstanding. The cod with bouillabaise and the rhubarb soufflé were excellent, too. The service is overly attentive but very grovulous with it, which is a pity: you have to keep saying how much you're enjoying it whenever the five levels of waiters turn up and ask. The price is hefty (but you don't have to drink 1961 claret for £19,500)"
"A great chateaubriand option with good wine suggestion to match."
"An impressive setting in this old chapelle. The food is very good."
35 Spital Sq, London, E1 6DY
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Opening hours
lunch 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm, Sunday 3 pm. dinner 6 pm - 10.30 pm, Sun 9.30 pm
Last orders: 10.30 pm, Sun 9.30 pm
