Harden's survey result
Summary
“Outstanding showmanship” (“food theatre for the TikTok generation”) “but matched with exceptional cooking running behind the gimmicks” (“dry ice, melting bubbles etc thrill but don’t hide the perfect texture and a palate of savoury flavour combinations”) has carved an impressive reputation for Adam Handling’s acclaimed Covent Garden flagship. Despite its status as a foodie temple, staff are “so relaxed and fun” and the atmosphere generally is very “informal”, which fans feel “makes the experience even better”: “you can really focus on the food”. And with “the kitchen being open, it allows you to see Adam leading his very disciplined brigade”. On the downside, ratings dipped a little this year, with some diners questioning “startling prices”, or accusing the culinary pyrotechnics of allowing “a triumph of style over substance”. (“The technical excellence is unquestionable, but really too much showing off… serving waffles with caviar and honey ought to be a capital offence!”). Success came in other respects, though: it was finally – not before time – awarded a Michelin star.
Summary
The “stunning innovation” of Adam Handling’s “clever”, but “not crazy” cuisine (“the breads with chicken butter and crispy chicken skin were out of this world!”) wins a paean of praise for his Covent Garden HQ. And even some who feel that “not every dish totally works” award the “spectacular” cooking full marks on account of the “degree of talent and creativity on show”. The “great front of house staff” also get a big shout-out for their “friendly” style, which adds life to the simple interior with open kitchen (more casual in style than is typically found around such fancy food). A new outside terrace is a recent addition, as is delivery service ‘Hame’ (“the absolute king of the home delivery options we tried”).
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 Frog by Adam Handling?
Owner's description
Frog by Adam Handling, in Covent Garden opened in September 2017 and is Adam Handling’s flagship restaurant site. The restaurant has been heralded as a “smash hit” by the London Evening Standard and one of the “best restaurants in London right now” by Condé Nast Traveller. More recently, Frog by Adam Handling won ‘Best Newcomer Restaurant’ at the 2018 Food & Travel Reader Awards.
The dishes served at the restaurant showcase Adam’s deliciously recognisable cooking style, combining technical savvy with the freshest seasonal produce, to deliver an elevated experience. Using a range of seasonal ingredients to marry unique flavours, Adam creates consistently outstanding dishes, reaffirming his reputation as one of London’s finest chefs.
Tucked away under the restaurant, you will find Eve Bar, combining life's greatest impulsions - temptation, indulgence, hedonism - all homed in luxurious subterranean surroundings. With walls adorned with bespoke art pieces by the amazing artist JJ Adams, you’re invited to come and enjoy the best cocktails, atmosphere and experience London has to offer.
Prices
 Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
A highly accomplished chef, Adam Handling brings his love of intense flavours and delicate techniques to his kitchen. His beautifully presented dishes start with careful sourcing of top quality, seasonal ingredients, prepared in a number of different, creative ways to enhance their inherent properties and deliver real depth of flavour and harmony.
Adam currently operates three restaurants, two bars, an entertainment venue, and a café.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Superb food, varied, fun and beautifully executed. "
"What an amazing experience- every item on the tasting menu was fantastic and watching the chefs at work was a real treat. Everyone was so nice too and the service was the best we have had. They fully deserve their star and more. Worth every penny."
"Course after course of perfection! Words fail me to adequately describe the experience. From the amuse bouche to the petit fours, dishes were stunningly presented but equally exceptional in flavour. Usually when we visit restaurants a course or two stand out over and above, but frankly each course stands on its own as perfection. We st at the counter talking to chef and even saw him butchering a large piece of stunning Wagyu. The menu is based upon Adam’s no waste philosophy and is quite superb. It’s rare that I feel motivated to return, but frankly his menu is so varied and innovative that I suspect every visit is totally different. I never thought I would ever taste a liver parfait as good as Heston’s, I was wrong! Toilets (very clean and unisex) down steep stairs but disabled one on restaurant level. A seriously impressive experience, one suspects Adam is well on the way to his second star. Staff are really friendly and helpful A great meal and experience to match."
"Great food and a buzzing atmosphere. Perhaps a bit too pricey. The basement cocktail bar is quite a contrast."
"There were some errors in execution of the dishes. I had high hopes which were not met. Pleasant attentive service. Slightly odd decor. First restaurant I've been to with a large picture of the queen............"
35 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HG
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Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
