Harden's says
Soho legend, The Gay Hussar (founded 1953 and RIP since 2018) has been rejuvenated by Noble Rot’s Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew and opened in September 2020. Even in its heyday, the point of a meal here was to polish off a conspiratorial bottle of wine or two rather than critiquing its stodgy Hungarian scoff. So its ressurection by a wine-focussed group feels like a true continuation of its former spirit. This sense of continuity is reinforced by its still old-fashioned decor, with dark wood-panelling and cartoons from Martin Rowson. Nice to have the old haunt back again. But the dishes are now (thank heavens) much better; even if chef Paul Weaver (with input from The Sportsman's Stephen Harris) does incorporate the odd Mitteleuropean note into what’s essentially a hearty, modern European menu.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“After decades of being a Gay Hussar regular I now find myself at this fine replacement run by committed wine experts...” – this famous Soho address was resurrected in 2021 by Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew and fans are “happy to report standards just as high as at their original site in Holborn”. Star of the show is the “gargantuan wine list” – “a treasure trove of interesting bins” (albeit “with some jaw-dropping prices”) – “interpreted by knowledgeable and friendly staff”, who help maintain the “charming and quirky” atmosphere of this “solid and comfortable” site (which, as its predecessor, opened in 1953). The “food is not as exceptional as the wine” but the “gutsy and value-led menu” of “good ingredients, served simply” is generally well-reviewed for its “delicious and unpretentious” qualities. Top Tip – “excellent-value set lunch”.
Summary
“An admirable replacement for the Gay Hussar and a great sibling to the original Noble Rot” – this legendary Soho site (founded as the Gay Hussar in 1953, and closed in 2018) has been rejuvenated by Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew and re-opened in September 2020. Even in its heyday, the point of a meal here was to polish off a conspiratorial bottle of wine or two, rather than critiquing its stodgy Hungarian scoff. So its resurrection by a wine-focussed group feels like a true continuation of its former spirit and “there is no end to exploring the wine list” which recreates the excellence of the first Noble Rot; as does its “warm, knowledgeable and impressively passionate service”. The interior was always “really lovely” and retains its still old-fashioned looks, with dark wood-panelling and cartoons from Martin Rowson. Meanwhile “the food quality has been transformed for the better” (thank heavens!) with chef Paul Weaver (aided by input from The Sportsman’s Stephen Harris) “maintaining a more-than-respectful nod to the past” by including the odd Mitteleuropean note in what’s essentially a hearty, modern European menu. “Love it!”
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Noble Rot Soho?
Restaurant details
Noble Rot Soho Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Rather disappointing experience - food was ok, wine good of course, but not great value for money"
"Great atmosphere and service with pretty good food. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £22.00 | £26.00 |  |
|
 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £9.00 | £28.00 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £20.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
2 Greek Street, London, W1D 4NB
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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