Harden's survey result
Summary
“When you step through the doors, it’s reassuring to know you’ll be well-fed and treated like a king” at Richard Caring’s “sophisticated” Theatreland legend, whose revamp a year ago stemmed years of decline, and where “so long as you don’t expect to be challenged by the grown-up comfort food, the old favourite dishes don’t disappoint”. True, the celeb crowd primarily frequent the neighbouring Ivy Club nowadays, and true, it’s no longer in the survey’s Top 40 Most Mentioned restaurants, and true, this is now the flagship for a fast-expanding chain of spin-offs, so it’s no surprise a few reporters now dismiss it as “just a chain restaurant for out-of-towners”, but actually catty comments are most notable by their absence.
Summary
“A lesson in how to improve a legend!” – Richard Caring’s “perked up” Theatreland star has staged an impressive return to form since last year’s revamp: “the old menu classics – bang bang chicken, shepherd’s pie, etc have been spruced up” (they needed to be!), service is “discreet and professional” and – “even without the buzz of all the c’lebs who are now upstairs in the adjoining club” – its vibe, romance and glamour have rediscovered their mojo. That said, there is a large band of refuseniks for whom it has “lost its verve and originality” – it doesn’t help that with spin-offs sprouting all over town it can now “feel like a high-end franchise” rather than the unique destination of yesteryear.
Summary
Richard Caring’s famous Theatreland idol – now the original of a fast expanding brand – emerged from a massive overhaul too late to be rated (just before the survey closed). Too often a let down in recent years, a handful of first-days reports say its “beautiful refurb” is “superb in every detail” – “wow, wow, wow!”
Summary
This former Theatreland idol still wows fans with its “slick and polished” style and “predictable” nursery fare; those who remember the glory days when this was London’s favourite restaurant, though, may find its current performance “embarrassing” – time, they say, “for a complete overhaul”.
Restaurant details
1-5 West St, London, WC2H 9NQ
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-6 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-6 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-6 pm, 5 pm-11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-6 pm, 5 pm-12 am |
| Friday | 12 pm-6 pm, 5 pm-12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm-6 pm, 5 pm-12 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm-6 pm, 5 pm-10:30 pm |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Seven Dials
British, Modern restaurant in Soho
British, Modern restaurant in Soho
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
American restaurant in Covent Garden
Steaks & grills restaurant in St James's
Steaks & grills restaurant in Covent Garden
