Harden's survey result
Summary
Phil Howard’s “exciting”, yet “unfussy” food (“at last, a top chef that has the confidence to cook a beautifully balanced meal and not hide behind another two-bite tasting menu”) “pushes the boundaries, whilst feeling familiar; and always has fabulous vegetarian options that highlight the joys of the freshest in-season produce” (“roasted cabbage was my main dish of the year… and I’m no veggie!”). As a result, a massive fan club “LOVE, LOVE, LOVE” his Chelsea two-year-old, whose “restrained, light and spacious decor” and “professional” approach help set up a “thoroughly civilised and relaxed experience”. But even those who consider the cuisine here “top class” can feel prices are “astronomical”, and this “casual” space can also appear “canteen-like” and far too “noisy” for somewhere in this league.
Summary
“A vast improvement over the late and not-lamented Restaurant Tom Aikens that previously occupied this space” – Phil Howard’s Chelsea yearling (in partnership with restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas) has proved one of the better openings of the year, with a “mature reinvention” of his style at The Square: a seasonal, ‘Flexitarian’ approach that’s “bang-up-to-date, light, fresh, modern and exciting!” Feedback is not totally free of quibbles though – in particular even for the area it’s “pricey” (especially given the more fuss-free style) – and the interior is a tad “sexless”.
Summary
Chef Phil Howard, famous for his 25 years at the helm of The Square, Mayfair, has paired up with Rebecca Mascarenhas once again to launch a new, modern British restaurant, on the former Chelsea site of Tom Aikens Restaurant, opening in October 2016. A ‘flexitarian’ approach with more emphasis on vegetables is promised by comparison with the more protein-led cuisine at The Square. Stop Press – early press critiques are very upbeat.
Restaurant details
Elystan Street Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Superb food, original menu -wonderful range, light and dark and green and white; a cheese souffle for a main, worked a treat. But gosh the prices are eye watering - will make you think twice about a quick return. and a half empty main room suggests they are pricing themselves out."
"First time here, for lunch, and was impressed. Staff were cordial, chatty and reasonably relaxed. Room is nothing special, but fine. Food was very good indeed and good value at lunchtime."
"A vibrant lively place with excellant young staff. The food was not cheffy but had intense and enjoyable flavours."
"Styling itself as a local restaurant it certainly hits the spot. Great food, friendly, but not too intrusive service. It can still get a little noisy when full."
"Decided to go to the restaurant not put off by the review that says overpoweringly tasteless as that’s totalogically impossible. On arrival I was greeted politely and shown to my table. I was slightly arty and the restaurant was quiet, although by the time I left Is was over 50% full, not bad for a Monday lunch time. Varied fascinating menu, had to choose, the starter jumper out at me, but the main I was undecided, staff said that Phil said the Cod was particularly good, so I took the advice. Staff are interested, engage and good communicators too. Starter was a Mallard wood pigeon and fallow dear (new to the menu apparently) was quite superb with delicious trimmings too. Main as cod with a sweet corn sauce that was unusual, but one of my favourite vegetables. The dessert was figs in port with lemon thyme ice cream. I was, after the starter, ready to say that the starter was already the highlight, but then I ate the dessert and wow it was quite sensational. I was tak n downstairs to meet Phil, who is even nicer and more passionate than even he comes over on TV. What a great guy! Toilets little but beautifully clean. As it worth thebtrip.....oh goodness yes, delightful staff superb food stunningly well presented and flavours are delicious and beautifully cooked too."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £30.00 |  |
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| SundayLunch | £50.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £17.00 | £35.00 | £14.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
43 Elystan Street, London, SW3 3NT
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:30 pm-2:45 pm, 6:30 pm-10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:30 pm-2:45 pm, 6:30 pm-10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm-2:45 pm, 6:30 pm-10 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm-2:45 pm, 6:30 pm-10 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm-2:45 pm, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm-2:45 pm, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12:30 pm-3 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
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