When in London...

randomshenans · 30 Sep 2013 at 11:13

I have been forced to come over to England to lead some training, so while I'm here I thought I'd tie in a couple of visits. Since I never get back here normally, I shoehorn what I can in.

Last time I was over I did Galvin La Chapelle and Alyn Williams at the Westbury, both of which excellent. Even though one of the mates I took to the Westbury is so not at home in a restaurant, it was funny as anything.

So this time, I'm trying to do the same. I've got a mate coming in to London to see me on the 29th and have booked Le Gavroche up for 9:30pm as that's the only place they had. Now, where should I go before hand? We will be suitably suited, so some such wine bar/cocktail bar would be nice. Any suggestions?

I actually arrive in London on the Monday, and will be trying to meet a few folk at Duck & Waffle for lunch (pending numbers and booking). Then again, I have Monday night where I'm taking my sister out to dinner.
Where can I take her?
Was considering; Greenhouse, Square, Hibiscus, possibly Dinner by Heston but unsure I fancy that, or maybe one of Jason Atherton's places? Or Hedone, Tom Aikens? Pied a Terre?

Many choices make hard work.

I am back for my Gran's 80th end of November fleetingly for 2 days, one of which in Bristol and my mother suggested we go for a sunday roast (as it's actually my birthday that day) at a pub. Obviously this wasn't going to work, so I've booked up Hawksmoor Air Street instead. I bloody love having places to look forward to.

randomshenans · 30 Sep 2013 at 14:29

Thanks guys. Trompette is a bit of a mission from central, which is my issue with it, or I'd give it a whirl. This is why greenhouse is up on the list.

Might have to try greenhouse in that case (it was top of my list in my head).

Oblix also looks pretty nice. Unsure whether there before Le Gav, or before Greenhouse, but I'll fit in cocktails there.

More swanky bar suggestions. Is Dover Street wine bar still any good? Not been in years.

randomshenans · 1 Oct 2013 at 12:03

I'm with glitch on this one, as I prefer to lump things in and around the same area. If I'm in central, I'll remain fairly central, if I go out west, I'll plan my night as such and stay out west. My sister lives in Islington, but works nearer central, so Greenhouse got the vote as it's just off Green Park.

Earlier in the day I'm going to squeeze in seeing some mates at Duck & Waffle and then head out afterwards and see which bars to head to pre meal.

randomshenans · 1 Oct 2013 at 14:26

Thank! It's easier to put it up here, where there is less chance of management seeing and questioning my high expense bills

I'd be an awesome MP.

randomshenans · 1 Oct 2013 at 15:18

It won't take 30mins though. I know from doing it many a time. 30mins on the tube, but walking to the station, up again bla bla. I could spend that time in another bar drinking bubbly

randomshenans · 2 Oct 2013 at 08:47

Good knowledge!

I'm actually just about to email Brett at the Ledbury to see if they can do a surprise lunch for my mum and sister as a birthday present. They've never done the Ledbury but it's possibly my favourite place in London.

I'll check out the Connaught and Claridges for drinks, too as well as reporting back on Duck & Waffle. Hopefully I can get a booking (reminder to do that today).

Oli, you should have said, I'd have dragged you out as well

And now I've already booked!

Anyone free on the Monday 27th? I'll be around central on and off throughout the day if anyone fancies a cheeky cocktail.

randomshenans · 29 Oct 2013 at 16:50

Did the light bar last night as it happens, then a few more places on route down to mayfair for the greenhouse. Was a really nice meal. I'll put up some more about it in a different thread I suppose. We had one drink at the mamounia lounge which is right near by just before, and the first thing we did was sit outside on their seats to be snapped at by an extremely unfriendly eastern european front of house lady "You can't sit there!" I was like, sorry?! No, hi guys how can I help you, sorry but this table is taken, can I show you inside for some drinks?! So I ranted on twitter and they replied today. Going to give them some abuse. I hate bad service and it annoyed the **** off me.

Light bar:

Palette cleanser of mojito sorbet in an ice pop from Greenhouse.

Heading in to town now for Le Gavroche later. I've told Monika I want red carpet treatment...

Will report back

randomshenans · 30 Oct 2013 at 09:43

randomshenans · 30 Oct 2013 at 12:12

I do agree with you on that, but as it's such a thin layer, it melts pretty quickly. You are right though, it would be better as an ice lolly in one way, but then you'd lose the granita texture.

The dishes were a lot more creative in the Greenhouse over Le Gavroche, which is traditional French really, but executed well and presented more traditionally.

I'll do a post on the dishes and menus when I'm back home. Flying out later this afternoon, so will get the menus out so I know what I actually ate.

After a bit of wine last night we left gavroche at like 1am and asked them to get us a taxi. They said it had arrived and (I blame the booze) as I went outside I saw a black Phantom sitting there and I thought bloody hell taxis are good around here! Our taxi was parked behind it, obviously. Ha